Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Asparagus

✔ One-pan

✔ Keto-friendly

✔ Low-carb

✔ Meal-prep friendly

✔ Family favorite

📝 INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

Protein

• 1½ lb (680g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  (or thighs for extra juiciness)

Veggies

• 1 lb (450g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Seasoning

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

👩‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Toss with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

👉 Dry chicken = better browning.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken in a single layer.

3. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

4. Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Cook Asparagus

1. In the same skillet, add asparagus.

2. Sauté 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

3. Remove and place with chicken.

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter and garlic.

3. Sauté 30–40 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).

Step 5: Combine

1. Return chicken and asparagus to skillet.

2. Add lemon juice and Italian seasoning.

3. Toss everything gently for 1–2 minutes to coat.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle parsley and serve hot.

🔥 FLAVOR PROFILE

• Juicy chicken bites

• Garlicky buttery sauce

• Bright lemon finish

• Crisp tender asparagus

🧊 STORAGE

• Refrigerator: 4 days

• Freezer: 2 months

🔄 VARIATIONS

🥓 Creamy Version

Add 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end.

🌶 Spicy Version

Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes.

🧀 Parmesan Finish

Sprinkle grated Parmesan before serving.

🍋 Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Swap chicken for shrimp — cook shrimp 2 minutes per side.

📊 NUTRITION (Approx per serving)

• Calories: ~350

• Protein: ~38g

• Carbs: ~6g

• Fat: ~20g

🧮 WW POINTS (Approx)

➡ 5–6 points per serving (depending on butter amount)

❓Q & A

Q: Can I bake this instead?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.

Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes — thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Best cut of chicken?
Thighs stay juicier, breasts are leaner.