Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus

This flavorful dish features tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with vibrant lemon asparagus. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the chicken bites:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder

For the asparagus and sauce:

• 2 bunches of asparagus, rinsed and trimmed
• 1/2 cup butter, divided (1/4 cup for browning the chicken and 1/4 cup for the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided (1 teaspoon for the chicken bites and 1 teaspoon for the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional (we used Sriracha)
• 1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley
• Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
• Slices of lemon for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Set aside on a shallow plate while preparing the asparagus.

2. Blanch the Asparagus:

Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus. Blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. This will ensure the asparagus cooks evenly in the skillet. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Melt 1/4 cup butter with olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites and gently stir-fry on all sides until golden brown. Lower the temperature and add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 more minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and set them aside. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

4. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of minced garlic over medium-high heat. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce by half. Add the remaining 1/4 cup butter, lemon juice, hot sauce, and parsley, and stir to combine.

5. Cook the Asparagus:

Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and toss for about 2 minutes until tender. Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet.

6. Reheat the Chicken:

Add the chicken bites back to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to reheat. Garnish with more parsley, crushed chili pepper flakes, and lemon slices.

7. Serve:

Serve the garlic butter chicken bites with the lemon asparagus immediately. Enjoy!

Serving:

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations:

• Vegetable Substitutes: Swap asparagus with green beans or broccoli for a different twist.
• Protein Options: Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey for a lighter alternative.
• Herb Choices: Try thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?
A: Yes, but fresh asparagus will have a better texture. If using frozen, skip the blanching step.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

Q: Can I omit the hot sauce?
A: Yes, the hot sauce is optional. You can leave it out for a milder flavor.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with zesty asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste!

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