Pan-Fried Lemon Chicken Fillet with Asparagus

Pan-fried lemon chicken fillet is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with the zesty tang of lemon and the earthy flavours of herbs like dill, basil, and thyme, this chicken fillet recipe is ideal for a light and healthy meal. Paired with tender young asparagus, this dish will satisfy your cravings while keeping things simple. Start by laying the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board.

If the chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner fillets. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, dried dill, chilli powder, dried basil, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken fillets in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). As the chicken fillets cook, add thin slices of lemon to the pan. The lemon will release its juice and give the chicken a fresh, zesty flavour. Allow the lemon slices to brown slightly, enhancing their citrusy aroma. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the asparagus by tossing them with a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. The bright green colour of the asparagus indicates they are perfectly cooked. Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, remove it from the pan and set it on a serving plate.

Add the sautéed asparagus to the plate alongside the chicken, garnishing with the pan-fried lemon slices. This easy-to-make dish, featuring juicy chicken and crisp asparagus, makes for a delightful meal that is both healthy and delicious.