Juicy garlic butter chicken bites with tender asparagus cooked in one skillet, ready in just 25 minutes! This easy, healthy chicken and asparagus meal is full of flavor, low carb, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Every bite is coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes this simple recipe taste like restaurant food.
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp paprika (optional)
½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Prep ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-size cubes. Trim and chop asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
Season chicken: Toss chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
Sear the chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add half of the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining chicken. Transfer all cooked chicken to a plate.
Cook the asparagus:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
Add asparagus pieces and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add garlic and butter:
Push asparagus to one side of the pan.
Add the remaining butter and minced garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Combine and finish:
Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the garlic butter coats the chicken and asparagus evenly.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Don’t overcook the garlic — it burns quickly. Add it near the end for a rich, mellow flavor.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth after adding the garlic.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or parmesan cheese for more richness.
Pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.