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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish For this dish, I love using fresh chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Asparagus adds a nice crunch and bright color. The garlic and lemon bring a zesty punch that wakes up all the flavors. I recommend using a good-quality olive oil. It makes a big difference in taste. Dried oregano adds a warm, herbaceous note. Smoked paprika gives a mild, sweet smokiness that enhances the dish. Don’t forget the salt and pepper. They help balance the flavors. Fresh parsley is not just for looks. It adds freshness and a hint of earthiness to the final dish. For the complete recipe, check out the Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Delight . Enjoy your cooking! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the marinade in a mixing bowl. Start by heating your oven. This step is key for a tasty dish. Gather your mixing bowl and add the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Next, toss in the dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it well until all the flavors blend together. - Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade. - Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes. Take the chicken thighs and coat them in the marinade. Make sure each piece is covered. Set the chicken aside for about 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. You can use this time to get ready for the next steps. - Arrange asparagus in an oven-safe pan and season. - Nestle marinated chicken on top. While the chicken marinates, grab your asparagus. Place the trimmed spears in a large oven-safe pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the asparagus gently to coat. Now, carefully nestle the marinated chicken thighs on top of the asparagus. This creates a lovely mix of flavors. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked. - Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden crust. Once everything is arranged, slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the chicken for a golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For an extra touch, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes. This gives the chicken a nice, crispy crust. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! - Allow to rest and garnish before serving. After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color. Enjoy this delightful dish with family or friends! For the best taste, let your chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in well. If you have extra time, marinating for up to 2 hours in the fridge can add even more depth to the dish. When seasoning, balance is key. Use a mix of salt and black pepper to enhance the chicken's flavor. The lemon juice adds brightness, so don’t skip it. The smoked paprika gives a warm touch that complements the garlic and lemon. Adjust the spices to match your taste. To bake chicken perfectly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures even cooking. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer to avoid steam. This method helps the chicken become golden and juicy. As for asparagus, avoid overcooking it. Bake it for only 20 minutes with the chicken. This keeps it tender yet crisp. If you like a bit of crunch, toss the asparagus in just a splash of oil and season well before baking. For sides, consider serving this dish with fluffy rice or crusty bread. Both options soak up the tasty juices well. A light salad with fresh greens pairs well too, adding a nice contrast. For presentation, serve on a large platter. Arrange the chicken and asparagus neatly. Drizzle any leftover pan juices over the dish for extra flavor. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley for a bright touch. This will make your meal look as great as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts cook faster, so adjust your time. If you want a leaner cut, go for breasts. They still stay juicy with the marinade. You can also change the veggies. Broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers work great. Each gives a new twist to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They bring a nice aroma and flavor. You can also use spices like cumin or chili powder for heat. These small changes can make a big difference. If you love cheese, sprinkle some feta or parmesan on top. Adding cheese can make the dish creamy and rich. Just remember to add it near the end of baking for the best melt. To make it gluten-free, ensure your spices have no gluten. Most spices are safe, but check the labels. This dish is also low-carb, so it fits many diets. If you want a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken. Both options soak up the marinade well. Cook them until they are golden and crispy for the best taste. To store leftovers, let the dish cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze the chicken and asparagus together. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. Press out as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. Adding a splash of water helps keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to avoid drying out. In the fridge, the dish lasts for three days. In the freezer, it stays good for three months. For the best taste, eat it within these times. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor! Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it first. Thawing ensures even cooking. I recommend marinating the chicken after it is fully thawed. This adds flavor and helps keep it juicy. What is the recommended internal temperature for chicken? The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. It ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. What can I use instead of fresh garlic? If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a good swap. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove needed. This gives a nice garlic flavor, though it won’t be as strong. Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon? Yes, other citrus fruits work well. Try lime or orange for a different taste. Each fruit will change the flavor, but they will still taste great with chicken and asparagus. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe serves four. It’s perfect for a family meal or dinner with friends. You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings. What is the approximate calorie count per serving? Each serving has about 350 calories. This makes it a healthy choice for dinner. Pair it with a salad for a balanced meal. For the complete recipe and details, refer to the Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Delight . You now have a fun and easy recipe for Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus. We covered fresh ingredients, a simple marinade, and easy steps for cooking. I shared tips to keep the flavors perfect and ideas for variations that suit your taste. Remember, balancing flavors is key. Enjoy each bite and don’t hesitate to make it your own. This dish is not just tasty but also great for any meal. Get cooking, and impress your friends and family!

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

Discover the deliciousness of Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Delight! This vibrant dish features tender chicken thighs, crisp asparagus, and a zesty marinade bursting with lemon and garlic flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is both easy to make and impressively tasty. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a delightful culinary experience to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed

4 cloves of garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it's hot enough for even cooking when you're ready to bake.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.

      Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature for optimal flavor infusion.

        While the chicken soaks up the delicious marinade, prepare the asparagus. Place the trimmed asparagus into a large, oven-safe pan or baking dish. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss the asparagus until evenly coated.

          After the marinating time is complete, gently nestle the marinated chicken thighs on top of the asparagus in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.

            Carefully place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it is golden, juicy, and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              For added flavor and texture, turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time to achieve a lovely golden crust on the chicken. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!

                Once finished, remove the pan from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

                  To serve, sprinkle the top with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken and asparagus on a large serving platter, drizzling any leftover pan juices over the dish for extra flavor. Garnish with lemon wedges for an inviting touch!