Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 bunches of asparagus, cleaned and trimmed

• 1/2 cup of butter, divided (1/4 cup for sautéing the chicken and 1/4 cup for the sauce)

• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

• 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, divided (1 teaspoon for the chicken pieces and 1 teaspoon for the asparagus and sauce)

• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence

• 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional, Sriracha was used in this recipe)

• 1/2 cup (125ml) of low-sodium chicken broth

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon

• 1 tablespoon of minced parsley

• Optional crushed red chili pepper flakes

• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Heat 1/4 cup of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Asparagus:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender yet crisp. If needed, add a little water to steam the asparagus slightly.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Once the asparagus is cooked, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

4. Combine the Chicken and Asparagus:

   • Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence and let the mixture cook together for another 1-2 minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once everything is well-coated and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with minced parsley and optional crushed red chili pepper flakes.

   • Serve with lemon slices for added zest.

Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus as a flavorful and easy-to-make meal! It's a perfect combination of juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and a creamy garlic butter sauce.