Simplify your dinner routine with this One Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe! Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts cooked alongside tender asparagus make for a delicious and healthy meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy and flavorful dish will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking and enjoy a wholesome dinner in no time!
Contents
Why Make One Pan Chicken And Asparagus
This one pan chicken and asparagus dish is a breeze to make, perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy chicken and tender asparagus all cooked together, it’s a flavorful, wholesome meal the whole family will enjoy.
Recipe Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Tenderloins: Lean and tender, these pieces of chicken cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for a one-pan dish.
- Asparagus Stalks: These add a fresh, slightly grassy flavor and a wonderful crisp-tender texture to the dish. Asparagus is also rich in vitamins and fiber.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Little bursts of juiciness, these tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory notes of the chicken and vegetables.
- White Button Mushrooms: These mushrooms have a mild flavor and a spongy texture that absorbs flavors well, enriching the dish with earthy undertones.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil enhances the roasting of the ingredients, adding a subtle fruity flavor and helping to crisp the exteriors of the vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic yet essential, salt and pepper are used to enhance and balance out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Dressing Ingredients:
- Zesty Italian Dressing: This dressing provides a robust base of herbs and spices that adds a vibrant, tangy kick to the dish.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, slightly sweet acidity that deepens the flavor profile of the dressing, giving it a complex tanginess.
- Honey: Introduces a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the acidity of the vinegar and mustard, adding depth to the dressing.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers a sharp, tangy flavor that provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the honey and enhances the overall savoriness of the dish.
- Diced Shallot: Brings a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that infuses the dressing with a subtle depth and aroma.
How To Make Skillet Chicken And Vegetables
Step One: Generously salt and pepper both sides of the chicken tenders. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step Two: Prepare vegetables while cooking chicken. Mix Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and shallot. Cook mushrooms, then add asparagus and tomatoes. Pour dressing over vegetables and simmer until thickened. Return chicken to skillet, coat, and serve immediately.
Layering And Flavor
- Even Cooking: Ensure even cooking by arranging chicken and asparagus in a single layer on the pan.
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving to enhance the dish’s flavors.
How Can I Enhance Chicken Asparagus?
Here are some delicious variations using the listed ingredients for your One Pan Chicken and Asparagus:
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano to infuse Mediterranean flavors.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan: After cooking, drizzle with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce made with heavy cream, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Balsamic Glazed: Toss the chicken, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic before roasting for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Tips For Storing Asparagus And Chicken
- Refrigerate Properly: Store cooked chicken and asparagus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Asparagus should be stored in the crisper drawer or wrapped in a damp paper towel to maintain freshness.
- Use Within 3-4 Days: Consume stored chicken and asparagus within 3-4 days to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.
- Freezing: If planning to freeze, store cooked chicken and asparagus separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
What To Serve With Chicken And Asparagus?
- Quinoa Salad: A light and fluffy quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and a hint of parsley.
- White Rice: Fluffy white rice served plain or lightly seasoned with herbs like parsley or dill.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini seasoned with herbs and olive oil.
- Steamed Broccolini: Tender steamed broccolini lightly seasoned with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Orzo Pasta: Cooked orzo pasta tossed with olive oil, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
One Pan Chicken And Asparagus
Make dinner a breeze with this One Pan Chicken and Asparagus! Juicy chicken and tender asparagus are cooked together in one pan, soaking up all the delicious flavors. It's a quick, easy, and healthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights!
Serving Size 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Tenderloins
- 10 – 12 Asparagus Stalks
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- ¾ cup White Button Mushrooms
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Pinch Salt And Pepper
- ⅓ cup Zesty Italian Dressing
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tbsp Shallot diced
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously salt and pepper both sides of the chicken tenders.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, prepare your vegetables. Trim the asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces, slice the mushrooms, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and diced shallot.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the mushrooms to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the asparagus and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and slightly brown. Then, add the tomatoes.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Chicken: Return the chicken tenders to the skillet and toss to coat them and the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer everything to a plate and serve immediately.
Notes
Refrigerate Properly: Store cooked chicken and asparagus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Asparagus should be stored in the crisper drawer or wrapped in a damp paper towel to maintain freshness.
Use Within 3-4 Days: Consume stored chicken and asparagus within 3-4 days to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing: If planning to freeze, store cooked chicken and asparagus separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
