Roast Chicken with Asparagus and Tahini Sauce

Succulent roasted chicken breast served with tender asparagus spears, all drizzled with a creamy Middle Eastern tahini sauce. This healthy and flavorful dish combines the nutty richness of tahini with perfectly cooked chicken and fresh vegetables.

4 servings
34 min

Ingredients

  • 2 lb asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 pieces skinless boneless chicken breast halves
  • cup tahini
  • cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 clove garlic
  • minced

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Put oven racks in middle and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 450°F.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a 15- by 10-inch shallow baking pan. Roast on bottom rack, shaking pan once or twice, until just tender, about 10 minutes.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, pat chicken dry and sprinkle all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy ovenproof skillet (not nonstick) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown chicken, turning over once, until golden, about 6 minutes total. Transfer skillet to middle of oven and roast until just cooked through, about 5 minutes.

    11 min

  4. 4.

    While chicken roasts, purée tahini, water, lemon juice, sugar, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth, about 1 minute. (Add more water if sauce is too thick.)

    1 min

  5. 5.

    Serve chicken and asparagus drizzled with some of sauce and with remaining sauce on the side.

    2 min