🍽️ Mediterranean Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus
📝 Description:
Think buttery, golden seared chicken bites paired with crisp-tender asparagus, all tossed in a garlicky, lemony, herb-laced sauce. This dish is light yet flavorful, fresh but cozy — perfect for when you want something Mediterranean-inspired and ready in under 30 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Asparagus:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 bunches of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided (1/4 cup for searing, 1/4 cup for sauce)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra wedges for garnish)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian herb blend)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes (for a kick)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken bites with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup butter + olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd) until golden and cooked through (~5–6 minutes total). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Asparagus: In the same pan, add a bit more oil or butter if needed. Add asparagus and cook until just tender but still crisp (~4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1/4 cup butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until fragrant (~1 min). Add lemon juice and zest, stir to combine.
- Bring It All Together: Return chicken and asparagus to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped herbs and extra lemon wedges. Serve hot!
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Don’t skip the sear: Getting that nice golden crust on the chicken adds tons of flavor.
- Try fresh herbs: Swap dried oregano for fresh thyme or rosemary for a bolder aroma.
- Add feta or olives: Want more Mediterranean punch? Top with crumbled feta or kalamata olives before serving.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream at the end for a richer finish.
- Low carb & keto-friendly: Skip rice or pasta and serve with cauliflower mash or salad.
🔍 Nutritional Info (approx. per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380–420 |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbs | ~7g |
| Fat | ~26–30g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar | ~2g |
Note: Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
🌿 Health Benefits:
- High in Protein: Lean chicken supports muscle health and satiety.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Garlic, lemon, and asparagus all offer immune-supporting compounds.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and moderate butter add healthy fats and flavor.
- Low Carb: Great for keto, paleo, or clean eating lifestyles.
- Rich in Vitamins: Asparagus provides folate, vitamin K, and fiber.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will add more richness and stay juicy.
Q: Can this be made dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use plant-based butter or ghee and skip cheese-based garnishes.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Great with:
- Lemon rice or couscous
- Roasted potatoes
- Cauliflower mash (for low carb)
- Crusty bread for sauce-mopping!
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Cook the chicken and asparagus ahead, then reheat with sauce just before serving.
✅ Final Thoughts:
This dish is weeknight easy but dinner party elegant. Packed with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, it feels like something you’d find at a Greek taverna — just without leaving your kitchen.
Let me know if you want this adapted into a sheet pan meal, pasta toss, or grain bowl version next!