Here’s a quick, flavorful, and healthy weeknight meal — Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus 🍗🧄🥦. It’s tender, juicy chicken tossed in garlicky butter sauce with crisp-tender asparagus — ready in under 25 minutes!
🍋 Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus
Serves: 3–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍗 Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
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1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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3 tbsp butter, divided
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt, or to taste
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 tbsp lemon juice or fresh lemon wedges, for serving
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions
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Prepare the chicken:
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Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Cook the chicken:
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Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
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Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove chicken and set aside.
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Cook the asparagus:
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In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon butter.
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Add asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Make the garlic butter sauce:
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Push asparagus to one side of the pan.
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Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the empty space.
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Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss everything together.
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Combine & finish:
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Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.
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Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
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💡 Tips & Variations
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🧀 Extra richness: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
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🌶️ Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
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🍋 Bright flavor: Add lemon zest for extra freshness.
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🥦 Swap it up: Use broccoli, green beans, or zucchini instead of asparagus.
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🍚 Serve with: Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Would you like me to give you a sheet pan version of this recipe (oven-baked for even easier cleanup)?
