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Easy Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe with Sautéed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

easy skillet chicken breast recipe - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and sautéed asparagus with cherry tomatoes, delivering a fresh and flavorful dinner in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces each)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 12 ounces), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (about 150 grams), halved
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), a pinch
  • Fresh herbs (optional), chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Rinse and trim the asparagus, cutting into 2-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For thicker breasts, cover loosely with a lid for the last 2-3 minutes.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  8. Add halved cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the veggies and stir to combine. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Warm together for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps achieve a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the chicken crisp. Use medium-high heat for the best sear. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Adjust cooking time for thicker chicken breasts and thicker asparagus stalks. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon brightens the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken breast, skillet chicken, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, one-pan meal, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken recipe