Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Asparagus
Juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and served with tender-crisp asparagus spears. The marinade features fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, making this dish light, aromatic, and incredibly flavorful. Naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and high in protein.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 mins
Marinate: 15 mins
Cook time: 10–15 mins
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice & zest of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
1 tsp dried Italian herbs or 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano, basil)
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Asparagus:
1 bunch fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
Juice of ½ lemon (for finishing)
Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken in a bowl or bag and coat with marinade. Let sit for 15–30 minutes (up to 12 hours in the fridge).
2. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Grill chicken 5–7 mins per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the Asparagus:
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill for 2–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender but crisp with light char.
Squeeze lemon juice over asparagus before serving.
4. Assemble:
Plate sliced grilled chicken alongside the asparagus.
Garnish with lemon wedges, chopped fresh herbs, and optional Parmesan.
Serving Ideas:
Serve over a bed of quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mashed sweet potatoes.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a side of tzatziki or Greek yogurt dip for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an oven instead of a grill?
A: Yes! Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 mins and roast the asparagus for 10–12 mins.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes grill beautifully with this dish.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g