Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice

Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice Recipe

Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 14 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The combination of tender chicken marinated in a rosemary-infused sauce, paired with fresh asparagus and zesty lemon rice, creates a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean flavors, with the use of rosemary, lemon, and garlic to create a fragrant and savory dish. The addition of asparagus adds a pop of color and freshness to the meal, making it a perfect springtime dish.

Ingredients

0.25 cup dry white wine
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2.25 lb (1.02 kg))
vegetable cooking spray
3 cup cooked rice (cooked in low-sodium chicken broth)
10 spears asparagus, blanched and cut into 1 inch pieces (0.25 lb (113 g))
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp lemon pepper
0.5 tsp salt
lemon slices for garnish
fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

How to prepare

Combine wine, garlic, rosemary, oil, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper in a large shallow glass dish.
Add chicken, turning to coat; cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Heat a large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot.
Add chicken and marinade; cook for 7 minutes on each side or until brown and no longer pink in the center.
Combine rice, asparagus, lemon peel, lemon pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
To serve, spoon rice onto individual serving plates.
Cut chicken into strips; fan over rice.
Garnish with lemon and rosemary.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Blanche the asparagus before adding it to the rice to ensure it is cooked to perfection.

- Be sure to cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center to ensure it is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for maximum flavor.

- Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried rosemary instead of fresh if fresh is not available.

- Substitute white wine with chicken broth if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

- Cook the rice and blanche the asparagus ahead of time for easy assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken strips over the rice in a fan shape for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with lemon slices and fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Pair with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and may contain traces of gluten.

Summary

This recipe is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of savory chicken, fresh asparagus, and zesty lemon rice, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage by the lake. Martha was known for her culinary skills, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to try out on me.

On this particular day, Martha had decided to make a special dinner for us using fresh ingredients from her garden. As she bustled around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and marinating the chicken, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the enticing aroma that filled the air.

"Would you like to help me with the rice dish?" Martha asked, handing me a bunch of fresh asparagus and a lemon.

I eagerly accepted the challenge, and together we concocted a delicious and vibrant dish of Lemon Rice with Asparagus. The tangy flavors of the lemon paired perfectly with the tender asparagus, creating a side dish that was both refreshing and satisfying.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Martha revealed that the recipe for the Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice was passed down to her by her own grandmother, who was a renowned chef in their small village. She explained that the recipe had been in their family for generations, and she was honored to continue the tradition of cooking it.

I was enthralled by the story behind the recipe, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Martha graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to try it out for my own family soon.

Over the years, I have made the Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice countless times, each time adding my own personal touch to the dish. It has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes, and it never fails to impress my guests.

One of my fondest memories of making this dish was when my grandchildren came to visit me for the summer. They were always eager to help me in the kitchen, and I decided to pass down the recipe to them as well.

As we gathered around the kitchen table, I showed them how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and fresh rosemary, infusing it with flavor before roasting it to perfection. I taught them how to cook the asparagus just until tender-crisp, and how to zest a lemon to add a burst of citrus to the rice.

It was a joy to see the excitement and curiosity in their eyes as they followed along with me, eager to learn the secrets of this beloved family recipe. And when we finally sat down to enjoy our meal together, I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I had passed down a piece of my culinary heritage to the next generation.

As I grow older, I find comfort in knowing that the recipes I have collected over the years will continue to be cherished and shared by my loved ones. Each dish tells a story, a tale of tradition and love that transcends time and generations.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about the first time I saw the recipe for Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus Lemon Rice, I am filled with gratitude for the memories it has created and the joy it has brought to those around me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through the food that I prepare.

I may not be able to cook as often as I used to, but the memories of those moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones will always remain close to my heart. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will pass down this cherished recipe to their own children, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come.