Mediterranean Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Why you’ll love it: Tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and a buttery garlic-lemon sauce infused with Mediterranean herbs. It’s quick, healthy-ish, and bursting with flavor—plus, you’ll feel like you’re dining on the coast of Greece.

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 bunches of asparagus, cleaned and trimmed
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, divided (1/4 cup for chicken, 1/4 cup for sauce)
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Herbes de Provence)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a warm Mediterranean kick)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional, adds earthy depth)
• 1 tbsp harissa or 1/2 tsp crushed chili flakes (for that bold Mediterranean heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
• Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon zest
• 2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled (optional but so Mediterranean!)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon slices and extra herbs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano.

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

Add 1 tsp garlic, then toss in chicken. Sear until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Asparagus:

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tsp garlic and asparagus. Sauté until tender-crisp (about 4–5 minutes). Add a splash of broth if needed to steam.

3. Make the Sauce:

Push asparagus to one side, add remaining 1/4 cup butter. Let it melt, then stir in the remaining broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and harissa or chili flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Combine:

Return chicken to the skillet, toss everything in the buttery sauce, sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.

5. Serve:

Plate hot with lemon slices. Serve over couscous, quinoa, or warm pita if you want to go full Mediterranean!