Season the chicken breast evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden brown.
While the chicken cooks, steam the asparagus spears for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and vibrant green.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate to rest for 5 minutes.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to create a light sauce.
Plate the cooked quinoa and steamed asparagus alongside the chicken breast, then spoon the lemon-herb pan sauce over the chicken before serving.