Hi, I’m Hannah! There is a specific moment in late February when I find myself suddenly craving green things. After months of heavy stews and hearty root vegetables, the sight of fresh asparagus at the market feels like a total breath of fresh air. However, even as the seasons change, the need for a quick, no-fuss dinner remains the same. That is exactly why I created this Creamy Asparagus and Chicken Skillet. I wanted a meal that tasted indulgent and “creamy” but stayed true to our healthy habits. By using a few simple swaps, we get a velvety sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken and crisp asparagus without the heavy cream. It’s a 20-minute, one-pan wonder that makes healthy eating feel like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Asparagus and Chicken Skillet
- True 20-Minute Meal: Since everything is chopped small and cooked in one pan, you can go from “starving” to “serving” in just twenty minutes.
- Lightened-Up Creaminess: We use Greek yogurt and a splash of chicken broth to create a rich sauce that is high in protein and lower in fat than traditional cream sauces.
- One-Pan Cleanup: To start, you only need one skillet for this entire recipe. That means more time enjoying your evening and less time at the sink.
- Seasonal & Fresh: Specifically, asparagus is a nutrient powerhouse. It adds a beautiful snap and brightness to the dish that makes it feel like spring has already arrived.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breast: We dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- Fresh Asparagus: Look for spears that are firm and bright green. Asparagus is an incredible source of fiber and essential vitamins. (You can learn more about why asparagus is considered a spring superfood here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/asparagus-benefits)
- Garlic and Shallots: These provide a much more sophisticated flavor profile than just onion alone.
- Greek Yogurt: This is our secret “Good Habit” ingredient. It provides the tang and creaminess we want while boosting the protein content.
- Fresh Lemon: A final squeeze of lemon juice at the end cuts through the creaminess and makes the flavors pop.
How to Make This Creamy Asparagus and Chicken Skillet
- Sear the Chicken: First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Season your chicken pieces and add them to the pan. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the Asparagus: In the same pan, add your trimmed asparagus pieces. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes. You want them to turn a vibrant green and be “fork-tender” but still have a bit of a snap—no mushy veggies here!
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat. Add your minced garlic and shallots, stirring for one minute until they smell amazing. Whisk in the chicken broth and Greek yogurt, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every piece of chicken and asparagus. Let it simmer for just one minute to thicken.
- The Finishing Touch: Finally, remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
The “Good Habit” Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Yogurt: To prevent the Greek yogurt from curdling, try to take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before you use it, or whisk it with a tablespoon of the warm broth before adding it to the pan.
- Snap the Ends: Specifically, when prepping your asparagus, don’t just cut them. Bend each spear until it snaps naturally. This ensures you’ve removed the woody, tough bottom part of the vegetable.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your pan is small, sear the chicken in two batches. This allows the meat to get that beautiful golden crust rather than just steaming in its own juices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen asparagus? In fact, I highly recommend fresh for this recipe. Frozen asparagus tends to hold too much water and can make the creamy sauce a bit runny.
- What should I serve this with? This is delicious on its own for a low-carb meal, but it also pairs perfectly with a side of my Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes or over a bed of quinoa.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay very tender in the creamy sauce.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back up.
More Easy Healthy Dinners
- Lemon Herb Salmon and Asparagus (20-Minute One-Pan Dinner)
- The Best Healthy Tuscan Chicken (30-Minute Recipe)
- Greek Chicken Bowls (Healthy, Easy and Perfect for Meal Prep)
Build Your Healthiest Habit
End the “what’s for dinner?” stress. Get my free guide with 5 Healthy Dinners in Under 30 Minutes, plus simple weekly recipes to help you feel good, consistently.
20-Minute Creamy Asparagus and Chicken Skillet
A fresh and flavorful one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken and crisp spring asparagus in a lightened-up, protein-rich cream sauce. This healthy 20-minute meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large bunch of fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small shallot finely diced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt full fat or 2% works best
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the asparagus. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic and shallots, sautéing for 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and serve immediately.
