Honey Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
When planning a delicious meal featuring honey garlic chicken and asparagus, think about what else might elevate your dining experience. You might want to consider fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a side of quinoa.
Equipment
- Skillet, Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1.33 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 cups fresh asparagus spears trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This allows for quicker cooking and ensures each piece is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Mince the Garlic
- Finely mince the garlic cloves. The smaller they are, the more flavor they will release when sautéed. You’re setting the stage for a robust flavor profile in the final dish.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding any chicken. This helps achieve that beautiful golden brown crust.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Add Garlic
- Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can bitter your dish.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir the chicken to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
Step 7: Cook the Asparagus
- Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet. Toss everything together and let it cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and just tender.
Notes
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh makes a big difference. The taste of fresh garlic and asparagus will elevate your dish.
Don’t Overcook the Asparagus: You want it tender yet crisp. Keep an eye on cooking time!
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little more honey.
Marinate for More Flavor: If you have extra time, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in the sauce before cooking can deepen the flavors significantly.
Add a Spice Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Don’t Overcook the Asparagus: You want it tender yet crisp. Keep an eye on cooking time!
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little more honey.
Marinate for More Flavor: If you have extra time, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in the sauce before cooking can deepen the flavors significantly.
Add a Spice Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 34gFat: 13gFiber: 3g
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