If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that checks all the boxes — quick, flavorful, healthy, and low in carbs — these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus will become your new go-to. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious healthy dinner on the table that’s satisfying and packed with flavor. Perfectly seasoned chicken bites are pan-seared until golden, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, and paired with crisp, tender asparagus. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s loaded with goodness — and fits right into your weekly meal plan.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lunch meal prep, or impressing guests with a seemingly fancy dinner that’s deceptively easy. Whether you’re following a keto dinner plan, looking for health dinner recipes, or just craving a flavorful chicken meal, this recipe has something for everyone.
Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus Are a Must-Try
- ✅ Quick and Easy: Cooks in just 25–30 minutes, including prep.
- ✅ One Pan, No Fuss: Everything is made in a single skillet — minimal cleanup!
- ✅ Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Excellent for low-carb eaters and those following the keto diet.
- ✅ Full of Protein: Lean chicken breast keeps you full and energized.
- ✅ Loaded with Flavor: Garlic butter, lemon, and herbs infuse every bite with mouthwatering taste.
- ✅ Customizable: Easy to adjust to different diets or preferences.
Recipe Highlights
- Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, asparagus, butter, garlic, lemon juice
- Flavor Profile: Savory, buttery, with bright citrus and herbaceous notes
- Meal Type: Main dish
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a green salad, cauliflower mash, or low-carb dinner rolls
Ingredients
Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this asparagus recipe to life.
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (boneless, skinless)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Asparagus:
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better.
- In a mixing bowl, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Toss until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (do not overcrowd the pan).
- Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and cook for another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked and browned on all sides.
- Remove chicken bites from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Asparagus
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Push asparagus to one side of the pan or remove and set aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken and asparagus to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Benefits
Why This Dish is a Health Dinner Champion
This recipe may be rich in flavor, but it’s light on calories and carbs — making it ideal for anyone looking for healthy dinner recipes that don’t sacrifice taste.
Chicken breast is lean, high in protein, and low in fat, making it great for muscle repair and keeping you full. Asparagus is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and even has anti-inflammatory properties.
Keto Benefits:
- Low carb vegetables (asparagus)
- Healthy fats (butter and olive oil)
- High protein (chicken)
If you’re following keto recipes for dinner, this one’s a win.
Meal Prep Tips
Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave gently.
Freezer Instructions
- Freeze cooked chicken bites separately from the asparagus for better texture.
- Thaw overnight and reheat as needed.
Make Ahead
- Cut and season the chicken a day ahead.
- Wash and trim asparagus for quicker cooking time during the week.
Delicious Pairing Ideas
Depending on your dietary goals, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Keto & Low-Carb Options:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Low-carb garlic herb dinner rolls
Balanced Plate (for non-keto eaters):
- Brown rice
- Lemon herb couscous
- Whole grain quinoa
- Classic garlic mashed potatoes
Add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a fresh green salad for a splash of color and nutrients.
Flavor Tips and Customizations
Make It Creamy:
Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer garlic butter sauce.
Add Cheese:
Top with shredded Parmesan or mozzarella just before serving.
Add More Veggies:
Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans can be tossed in with the asparagus for a veggie-loaded version.
Use Chicken Thighs:
For more flavor and juiciness, swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may require a bit more cook time but add depth of flavor.
Serving Ideas
While this dish shines on its own, it can easily be transformed into something special with simple additions:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bowl
Serve over cauliflower rice with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing low-carb bowl. - Lettuce Wraps
Wrap chicken bites and asparagus in butter lettuce leaves with a drizzle of garlic aioli — perfect for a light lunch. - Meal Prep Boxes
Divide into containers with keto dinner rolls, a small salad, and a lemon wedge for four day’s worth of health-forward meals.
Garlic Butter Chicken vs Butter Chicken: What’s the Difference?
Don’t confuse this garlic butter chicken with traditional butter chicken, the classic Indian dish. While both are flavorful and buttery, butter chicken usually features a creamy tomato-based curry sauce and uses Indian spices like garam masala and cumin.
This recipe is more Mediterranean-inspired and uses fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs for a bright, punchy flavor. It’s simpler, cleaner, and better suited to low carb dinners and meal prep.
Reader Love ❤️
“I made this last night and even my picky eater toddler devoured it. Total weeknight win!” — @HealthyMamaEats
“I’m doing keto and I’ve made this twice in one week. So simple and tastes like it came from a restaurant.” — @KetoKitchenQueen
“Served this with garlic mashed cauliflower and keto dinner rolls. My husband said it was the best low-carb dinner I’ve made yet.” — @MealPrepWithMe
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure browning.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for extra sear and better flavor.
- Fresh garlic is a must. Don’t swap it for powder if you want that true garlic butter punch.
- Let the butter brown slightly when cooking the garlic — this adds a nutty depth.
Make It a Complete Meal Plan
Here’s how you can build a full-day keto meal plan around this dish:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with avocado and spinach
- Lunch: Chicken bites with asparagus and a side salad
- Snack: Celery sticks with almond butter
- Dinner: Repeat this recipe with a small serving of roasted cauliflower and keto dinner rolls
It’s nutrient-rich, low in carbs, and full of variety — all while sticking to a health dinner focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but fresh is best for texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before cooking.
Can I use other protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Try shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add the chili flakes. Feel free to omit or increase depending on your taste.
What herbs go well with this?
Parsley is great, but you can also use thyme, basil, or oregano.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus are the kind of recipe that feels luxurious while staying healthy, fast, and easy. The garlic butter sauce is rich and vibrant, the chicken is juicy, and the asparagus adds just the right amount of crunch and freshness.
Whether you’re making a low carb dinner, prepping for the week, or looking for a new way to enjoy chicken bites, this recipe delivers every single time.
Serve it with keto dinner rolls for a hearty meal, or keep it light with a veggie-packed plate. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure — this dish will become a staple in your healthy meal rotation.
