Lemon Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Are you, like, totally over complicated diets? I know I am! Let's dive into some healthy dinner ideas for weight loss that are actually, you know, good .

This Lemon Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus is a zesty, flavour-packed way to ditch the blah and say hello to deliciousness.

Brief Overview

This recipe is inspired by the Mediterranean diet and its healthy lifestyle. Think sunshine, herbs, and lean protein. It's super easy, only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish.

It yields 2 servings, perfect for a couples dinner or meal prep for the next day.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein. It helps you feel full and satisfied, which is awesome for, you know, curbing those late-night cravings.

Plus, it's perfect for a busy weeknight when you just want something tasty that won't derail your healthy eating goals.

Seriously, this recipe is special because it proves healthy high protein meals don't have to taste like cardboard! This is one of the High Protein Low Carb Recipes everyone should learn.

Okay, so, here's what you'll need to make this magic happen.

The Star Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. We're talking about 6 oz each.
• Olive oil is a must-have, so grab 1 tablespoon of it.
• Lemon juice. You'll need 1 tablespoon.
• Dried oregano and thyme, 1 teaspoon each.
• Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon. Gotta have that garlic flavour!
• Salt and pepper, ¼ teaspoon each.
• One lemon, thinly sliced. This is optional, but adds a lovely touch.

Asparagus Time:

• One pound of asparagus, trimmed and ready to go.
• Another tablespoon of olive oil.
• ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

With these ingredients and an oven, you will be ready to cook an exceptional Low Carb Dinner .

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Lemon Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus . Trust me, even if your cooking skills stop at making toast, you got this!

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:2 Servings

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (5 ml)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1.25 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed (450g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1.25 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Place chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with the lemon herb mixture.
• Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper directly on the baking sheet, alongside the chicken. Spread in a single layer.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Asparagus should be tender-crisp.
• Remove from oven. Garnish with lemon slices (if using). Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:15g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal of Deliciousness

Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen to make this recipe sing. I once tried to bake a cake using a camping stove.

Let’s just say, the birds enjoyed it more than I did. But for this recipe, a few simple things will do!

Main Ingredients: Keepin' It Real

Here’s what you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry, nothing too crazy!

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Quality matters! Look for chicken that's plump, pink, and doesn't smell funky.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice ( 15 ml )
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano ( 5 ml )
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme ( 5 ml )
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder ( 2.5 ml )
  • ¼ teaspoon salt ( 1.25 ml )
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25 ml )
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish. Makes it look fancy, innit?)
• For the Asparagus:
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed ( 450g )
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
  • ¼ teaspoon salt ( 1.25 ml )
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25 ml )

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You!

This lemon herb combo is a winner. Oregano and thyme just work together, you know? Garlic powder adds a bit of oomph.

For a little extra zing, a pinch of red pepper flakes is just the ticket. If you are looking for healthy dinner ideas for weight loss , this seasoning combination will leave you fully satisfied, with lots of flavour, and will help with the goals that you have in mind.

Plus, you'll find the perfect blend for high protein low carb recipes .

If you're out of oregano, marjoram is a good stand-in. For all those Mediterranean diet dinner recipes lovers, it's a keeper.

Equipment Needed: No Need to Break the Bank

• Baking sheet: A standard one will do.
• Small mixing bowl: For mixing the marinade.
• Lemon zester (optional): If you’re feeling fancy and want some zest, go for it!
• Meat thermometer (recommended): Honestly, this is your best friend. Especially when cooking chicken. It saves you from guessing if the chicken is cooked enough, keeping it safe for your consumption, and stops you from drying out the chicken. You want the internal temperature to hit 165° F ( 74° C) .

That's it! See? Nothing too scary. Let's get cooking! With this Lemon Herb Chicken diet plan , you will be all set.

For Easy Meal Prep , just double or triple the ingredients and cook ahead of time. Now is the time to enjoy those amazing Quick healthy dinners for weight loss .

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken: A Zesty Delight

Looking for healthy dinner ideas for weight loss that don't taste like cardboard? This Lemon Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus is your new bestie! Honestly, sometimes the easiest recipes are the tastiest.

This is high protein low carb recipes heaven!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Right, let's get prepped. Essential mise en place? Sounds fancy, right? It just means having everything ready before you start.

Think chef, not stressed-out cook. Chop your asparagus. Mix your herbs and lemon juice. Honestly, it only takes 15 minutes! For safety, just remember to wash your chicken.

Sorted.

Step-by-Step to Chickeny Goodness

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line that baking sheet!
2. Whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil , 1 tbsp lemon juice , 1 tsp oregano , 1 tsp thyme , ½ tsp garlic powder , ¼ tsp salt , and ¼ tsp pepper in a small bowl. This is your magic potion.
3. Place your 2 chicken breasts on the sheet and brush 'em with the potion. Be generous!
4. Toss your 1 pound asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil , ¼ tsp salt , and ¼ tsp pepper on the sheet.
5. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until the chicken hits 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips to Make You a Star

Don't overcook it. I cannot stress this enough. Honestly, use a meat thermometer. You can find a nice list of Chicken breast recipes for weight loss online.

Pound your chicken breasts to even thickness. This helps them cook evenly. The biggest mistake? Ignoring the thermometer. It’s the key to juicy chicken! As for make-ahead, you can mix the marinade the night before.

Just store it in the fridge. I'm thinking some Mediterranean diet dinner recipes with some Feta cheese for the last few minutes in the oven?.

What do you think?

Recipe Notes

Alright, let's talk nitty-gritty. These are my notes after a few attempts at this recipe. Honestly, little tweaks can make all the difference. So pay attention!.

Serving It Up!

Okay, plating this dish is easy. But let's make it Instagram-worthy. Arrange the chicken nicely alongside the asparagus. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest? Chef's kiss .

Some fresh parsley would also look awesome.

For sides, consider quinoa. It’s great with High Protein Low Carb Recipes . It’s also great with Healthy High Protein Meals .

I think a simple side salad complements the Mediterranean diet dinner recipes so well. And as a beverage, a glass of crisp white wine? Bang on! Or even some sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Storing Secrets

Right, leftovers. We've all been there. Once the chicken and asparagus are cooled, pop them into an airtight container. Into the fridge they go! They'll keep for about 3-4 days .

Freezing isn’t my top choice with this recipe. The asparagus can get a bit mushy upon thawing. But if you must, store cooked chicken separately.

Reheating is easy. Oven or microwave. Just make sure the chicken is piping hot – 165° F ( 74° C) , folks!.

Playing Around

Fancy a change? No worries! It's simple! Try swapping the asparagus. Green beans or broccoli are good substitutes. For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon herb mix.

Oh my gosh! Amazing.

For those watching the carbs ( Low Carb Dinner is the goal, right?). Serve with cauliflower rice. And for my dairy-free friends, skip the Greek yogurt. Use a tahini dressing.

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's keep it real. This dish is packed with protein. Chicken is amazing for that. It has very few carbs.

Asparagus also brings fiber and vitamins to the party. It's definitely one of those healthy dinner ideas for weight that actually tastes great!

It's also great for Healthy Meal Prep and even Easy Meal Prep – win-win! Plus, it is full of goodness and it's lean.

Now, the lemon herb chicken diet plan works because it tastes good and doesn't feel like a chore.

So, go ahead and give this a shot! Don't be afraid to experiment. You might just surprise yourself. Happy cooking!.