Ranch Chicken and Asparagus

I try to prepare meals that are budget friendly, taste great, and can be easily and quickly prepared. This one does all of that. I hope you enjoy it 💚

Oh! Keep in mind that these amounts served my family of 7, plus leftovers to send in my husband's lunch. If you're cooking for fewer people, you may want to cut the measurements in half. 

What's for dinner?

Thursday: Ranch Chicken and Asparagus 

12 chicken thighs (boneless & trimmed)

1 Tbs dill paste

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp kosher salt

1-1/2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

1/4 c lemon juice

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2 bunches of fresh asparagus

2 Tbs butter 

2 tsp lemon pepper

Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 

2. In a bowl, whisk together the following: dill paste, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, EVOO, & lemon juice. 

3. Toss chicken thighs in the herb/lemon mixture. Transfer coated chicken to a 9" x 13" baking dish. 

4. Bake chicken for 30 minutes. Chicken should be cooked through and be golden brown. 

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5. While chicken bakes, in a skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. 

6. Once butter is melted, add asparagus and sprinkle with lemon pepper and salt. 

7. Turn asparagus with tongs. This cooks fast...only about 5-6 minutes total. Asparagus will be heated through, but still firm (al dente). 

🍗Chicken Thighs

Dark meat chicken has a bad rep for being fatty and artery-clogging when it’s actually the skin you should be avoiding. Dark meat, like avocados, is high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Thighs are also more affordable than skinless chicken breasts, so they’re an all-around smart addition to your weeknight dinner routine. (http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2010/01/14/10-foods-that-are-healthier-than-you-think/)

🌱Dill

Dill has a significant amount of vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as trace amounts of folate, iron, and manganese.

🍋Lemon

Um, hello Vitamin C! 

🌱Asparagus 

Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, plus contains antioxidants and detoxifying properties.