Looking for a dish that’s as delicious as it is healthy? This roasted lemon chicken with spring asparagus is your answer. Perfectly seasoned chicken, zesty lemon, and tender spring asparagus come together to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this lemon chicken recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients for Roasted Lemon Chicken with Spring Asparagus
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on this healthy roasted chicken and asparagus side dish:
For the chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
Roasted Lemon Chicken with Spring Asparagus Recipe
Roasted lemon chicken, spring asparagus recipe, healthy roasted chicken, lemon chicken recipe, asparagus side dish
- Total Time: PT00H50M
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
For the asparagus:
- 1 bunch of fresh spring asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your perfectly roasted lemon chicken with tender, flavorful spring asparagus. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a hearty, well-balanced meal packed with fresh, zesty flavors.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup—because no one wants to spend extra time scrubbing dishes after enjoying a delicious meal. Ensure the rack is in the middle position for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, place the chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for the best flavor and texture). Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Add the zest and juice of one large lemon, tossing the chicken to ensure every piece is evenly coated. If you prefer bold flavors, let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. For an even deeper infusion of flavors, refrigerate it for 1–2 hours or overnight. This step builds layers of flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Sear the Chicken (Optional)
For a golden, crispy exterior, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place the chicken skin-side down in the pan. Sear for 3–4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip and sear for another 1–2 minutes on the other side. While optional, this step elevates the texture and presentation of your dish.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet or roasting pan, skin-side up. Make sure to pour any leftover marinade over the chicken to lock in moisture and flavor. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. For added juiciness and flavor, baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through the cooking process. This keeps the chicken moist and enhances the tangy, herbaceous flavors.
Step 4: Prep & Add the Asparagus
While the chicken is roasting, prepare your spring asparagus. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears (about 1–2 inches from the bottom) and toss them in a mixing bowl with olive oil, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra seasoning. For more lemony brightness, add a splash of lemon juice.
When the chicken has about 10–12 minutes of cooking time left, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and arrange the asparagus around the chicken. This timing allows the asparagus to cook to tender-crisp perfection while retaining its vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Serve
Once the chicken has roasted to perfection and the asparagus is tender yet crisp, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Garnish the dish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus and sprinkle additional chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant finish. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish—mashed potatoes, a warm grain salad, or even crusty bread pair wonderfully. Enjoy your roasted lemon chicken and asparagus, a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
Notes
- Choose Fresh Ingredients – Spring asparagus is best when it’s bright green and firm. Avoid limp or overly thick stalks for the best texture and flavor.
- Even Cooking – If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs, flatten them slightly with a rolling pin or meat mallet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Check Doneness – Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat for an accurate reading.
- Prep Time: PT00H15M
- Cook Time: PT00H35M
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
For the asparagus:
- 1 bunch of fresh spring asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your perfectly roasted lemon chicken with tender, flavorful spring asparagus. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a hearty, well-balanced meal packed with fresh, zesty flavors.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup—because no one wants to spend extra time scrubbing dishes after enjoying a delicious meal. Ensure the rack is in the middle position for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, place the chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for the best flavor and texture). Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Add the zest and juice of one large lemon, tossing the chicken to ensure every piece is evenly coated. If you prefer bold flavors, let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. For an even deeper infusion of flavors, refrigerate it for 1–2 hours or overnight. This step builds layers of flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Sear the Chicken (Optional)
For a golden, crispy exterior, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place the chicken skin-side down in the pan. Sear for 3–4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip and sear for another 1–2 minutes on the other side. While optional, this step elevates the texture and presentation of your dish.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet or roasting pan, skin-side up. Make sure to pour any leftover marinade over the chicken to lock in moisture and flavor. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. For added juiciness and flavor, baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through the cooking process. This keeps the chicken moist and enhances the tangy, herbaceous flavors.
Step 4: Prep & Add the Asparagus
While the chicken is roasting, prepare your spring asparagus. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears (about 1–2 inches from the bottom) and toss them in a mixing bowl with olive oil, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra seasoning. For more lemony brightness, add a splash of lemon juice.
When the chicken has about 10–12 minutes of cooking time left, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and arrange the asparagus around the chicken. This timing allows the asparagus to cook to tender-crisp perfection while retaining its vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Serve
Once the chicken has roasted to perfection and the asparagus is tender yet crisp, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Garnish the dish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus and sprinkle additional chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant finish. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish—mashed potatoes, a warm grain salad, or even crusty bread pair wonderfully. Enjoy your roasted lemon chicken and asparagus, a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
Tips & Variations for Success
Maximize the flavors and versatility of this dish with these handy tips and variations:
Tips:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients – Spring asparagus is best when it’s bright green and firm. Avoid limp or overly thick stalks for the best texture and flavor.
- Even Cooking – If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs, flatten them slightly with a rolling pin or meat mallet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Check Doneness – Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat for an accurate reading.
Variations:
- Spicy Twist – Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for a bit of heat.
- Herb Swap – Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be substituted for thyme and rosemary for a lighter flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve this dish with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple salad for a low-carb meal.
- Add Potatoes – Toss baby potatoes in olive oil and seasonings, then roast them alongside the chicken for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information
This healthy roasted chicken and spring asparagus recipe is a delicious and nutrient-packed option, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy clean, flavorful eating without compromising on taste. The star of the dish is the tender, juicy chicken, seasoned to perfection and roasted until golden brown, which pairs wonderfully with vibrant, crisp asparagus spears that are also roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and subtle nutty flavor. Together, they create a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is beneficial for your body.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can have a nourishing, wholesome meal ready with minimal effort. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Loaded with essential nutrients like lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this dish will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day.
For those conscious of their macronutrient intake, this dish is also a fantastic option. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
These values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, but this recipe offers a great balance of nutrients for a wholesome, healthy eating routine. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven for dinner or reheating it as a meal prep option, it’s sure to become a favorite in your collection of go-to healthy recipes. Pair it with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a simple salad to round out the meal even further. Enjoy a meal that’s as flavorful as it is nourishing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Balanced, vibrant meals like this roasted lemon chicken with asparagus are perfect for health-conscious cooks and foodies alike. This dish doesn’t just look beautiful on your plate—it’s packed with flavor and nutrients to fuel your day. The chicken is roasted to juicy perfection, infused with the savory goodness of herbs and spices, while a squeeze of zesty lemon brightens each bite. Paired with tender, crisp asparagus, this dish is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. Serve it with a side of fluffy quinoa, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a light green salad to round out the meal. The combination of juicy, savory chicken, vibrant asparagus, and the tangy pop of lemon creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Looking for more inspiration? Browse our collection of spring asparagus recipes to find creative ways to incorporate this versatile veggie into your meals. Or explore our tips for creating the perfect roasted chicken dishes, loaded with flavor and packed with health benefits.
Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious, fresh flavors of this roasted lemon chicken with spring asparagus—it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again!