This Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Asparagus is a tasty, bright dish that brings fresh flavors to your table. Juicy chicken meets crispy asparagus, all topped with zesty lemon and cheesy parmesan.
I love how quick this meal comes together—perfect for busy nights! Serve it with rice or pasta, and you’ll have a yummy dinner that’ll impress anyone. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you can also use thighs for a juicier option. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try marinated tofu or tempeh as a substitute!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for that authentic flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-grated works fine too. For a dairy-free alternative, use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan blend.
Bread Crumbs: I love using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you prefer, you can make your own by toasting and crushing stale bread or use crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
Olive Oil: While olive oil gives a nice depth to this dish, avocado oil is a good substitute, especially for high-heat roasting. You can replace some oil with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is delicious, but green beans or zucchini can easily substitute if asparagus isn’t available. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Do I Get My Chicken Coating Extra Crispy?
To achieve that lovely crispy coating, it’s all about preparation. First, create a nice even layer of the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Here’s how:
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook uniformly, making it crisp on the outside.
- Start with a light dusting of flour (if using), which helps the egg stick and creates a base for the breadcrumbs.
- Whisk the eggs until frothy; this ensures a good coating over the chicken.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken. Don’t be shy; really pack it on!
- Popping the dish in a hot oven helps to set the coating quickly and keeps it from getting soggy.
Also, using a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment not only makes clean-up easy but allows the chicken to cook evenly. Happy cooking!
How to Make Lemon Parmesan Chicken With Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lemon (sliced thinly, plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Asparagus:
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Extras:
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and lightly grease it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help the chicken and asparagus bake nicely without sticking.
2. Flatten the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. This is where the fun begins! Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps it cook evenly and become tender.
3. Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
Now, let’s prepare three shallow dishes. One should have some flour (this is optional), the second will hold beaten eggs, and the third will be for the mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This makes the breading process easy and organized.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the flour (if using), then into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. After that, coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks well!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Now place the breaded chicken breasts in the center of your prepared baking sheet, as beautiful centerpieces of the dish!
6. Add the Asparagus:
Place the trimmed asparagus spears evenly on both sides of the chicken. Drizzle the asparagus with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, and sprinkle some salt and pepper. Toss lightly on the tray to coat.
7. Lemon Layering:
Layer those thin lemon slices directly on top of the chicken breasts. And feel free to add a few lemon slices and chopped parsley around the chicken for an extra pop of flavor and freshness!
8. Optional Butter Delight:
If you want an extra richness, dot the chicken with tiny pieces of butter before it goes in the oven. Yum!
9. Baking Time:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a bright touch. Serve your Lemon Parmesan Chicken warm, with lemon wedges on the side for that zesty kick!
Enjoy your flavorful, zesty Lemon Parmesan Chicken with perfectly roasted asparagus!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal texture and flavor, but if you have frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator or by submerging it in cold water before cooking. Pat it dry before breading to help the coating stick better!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and asparagus, coat them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Simply cover with plastic wrap or foil, and when you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to keep the coating crispy.
Can I Substitute the Asparagus?
Yes! If asparagus isn’t available, feel free to swap it out with green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as different vegetables have varying cooking requirements.
