Lemon Pepper Chicken with Artichoke Salsa and Roasted Asparagus

This Friday was the first day of spring (wahoo!) so to celebrate I made you a healthy 30 minute meal that’s full of fresh springy flavors like artichoke, lemon, and asparagus. This recipe is as recharging as opening your windows and doors to let a cool spring breeze roll through. Such a nice change of pace from hearty winter comfort foods (we still tight though.)

Lemon pepper-seasoned chicken breasts are sautéed and placed over a bed of roasted asparagus then finished with zingy artichoke salsa, and a flourish of feta cheese and fresh tomato. Spring is all about asparagus in my book, and this recipe highlights them in a wonderful way. Simply seasoned with garlic salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil, they’re roasted for a touch under 10 minutes – just enough time to let the stalks soften slightly and the tips crisp up.

Speaking of, I once worked with a guy who refused to eat asparagus tips. Asparagus tips! They’re, like, the icing on the cupcake. The umbrella in the cocktail. The cheese on the pizza – the best part! As I mentioned above, the quick roast in a hot oven makes the coveted asparagus tips just slightly crispy. It’s fantastic.

Also, I must say, if you’re a long time – like LOOONG time – IGE reader than you may remember this dish from way back in the day. I first posted the recipe in 2009 (that feels like a lifetime ago!) and it’s remained one of Ben’s and my favorites for a couple reasons. First because it’s from a neighborhood bar and grill we used to hit up all the time in Minneapolis when we lived there, Green Mill. When I found out we were moving back home to Iowa I emailed the restaurant to see if I could have the recipe since I ordered it every single time we went, and they totally pulled through. And second because it’s simple and healthy, yet super flavorful. Definitely feel good food.

Whether or not it feels like spring where you live, I think one bite of this dish will remind you that warmer days, daffodils, screen doors, and evening walks are definitely ahead!

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Start with 1 bunch asparagus. I’ve noticed that asparagus prices are finally coming down, down, down from highs in the $3+ mark this winter. Love it!

Snap the ends off then toss the asparagus with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, garlic salt, and pepper, and then roast at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the asparagus are al dente. Slightly less time if the stalks are really skinny.

Meanwhile, saute 4 chicken breasts (I obviously photographed half for the post,) that have been pounded thin then liberally seasoned with lemon pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes a side, or until cooked through.

Last step (told you this was a simple dish!) is to stir together the Artichoke Salsa. That’s just 1 jar quartered artichokes that have been roughly chopped, 2 Tablespoons capers, 1/4 chopped small red onion, 1 microplaned or minced clove garlic, juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 Tablespoons Italian salad dressing, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper. I had everything I needed already at home, save for the artichokes!

Last step is to assemble. Divide the roasted asparagus between four plates then top with a chicken breast, 1 Tablespoon crumbled feta and some chopped tomato. Simple and scrumptious – hope you enjoy!