Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spectacular Spring Dinner is a fresh, vibrant meal that celebrates the best of the season. With tender roasted chicken, crisp asparagus, baby potatoes, and a bright lemon-herb dressing, it brings color and flavor to your plate. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy family night, this one-pan wonder is easy to prepare and bursting with springtime goodness.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
baby potatoes
asparagus spears
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic cloves
fresh thyme
fresh parsley
salt
black pepper
honey
Dijon mustard
directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped thyme.
Place the chicken thighs and halved baby potatoes on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
Roast for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and add the asparagus.
Drizzle remaining dressing over the asparagus and return the pan to the oven.
Roast for another 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C) and the veggies are tender.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Use baby carrots or snap peas for a different veggie profile.
Add crumbled feta or goat cheese after baking for a creamy finish.
Try rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a flavor twist.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Avoid freezing asparagus, as it can become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with whole grain mustard or a bit of yellow mustard.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce cooking time by 10–15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Can I grill instead of roast?
Absolutely—just grill the chicken and veggies separately and drizzle with dressing before serving.
Conclusion
Spectacular Spring Dinner brings the essence of the season right to your table. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that celebrate spring’s bounty. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this dish makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
PrintSpectacular Spring Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and flavorful Spectacular Spring Dinner featuring fresh seasonal vegetables and lean protein, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh peas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3 minutes on each side.
- Add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and peas to the skillet around the chicken.
- Drizzle vegetables with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Use other spring vegetables like baby carrots or snap peas as desired.
- Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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