Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 spray cooking spray (olive oil)
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 pinch salt (to season)
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (optional for added flavour)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh chopped, divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to your taste)
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper (to taste)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 40 asparagus spears (woody ends removed)
- 1 lemon (sliced to garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Chicken: Arrange an oven shelf in the middle position and preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray it lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet and season them lightly with salt. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Make the Honey Lemon Sauce: In a bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, low sodium soy sauce (if using), finely chopped garlic, half of the fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and cracked pepper. Mix well. Pour about three-quarters of this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken. Add more salt and pepper if desired to enhance seasoning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add Asparagus and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and arrange the trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken on the baking sheet. Pour the remaining honey lemon sauce over the asparagus and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the sheet to the oven and switch to the grill or broil setting if available. Cook until the chicken skin is golden and the asparagus is tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes such as rice or potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness if they vary significantly in size.
- The soy sauce is optional but adds extra umami flavor; low sodium versions keep salt levels in check.
- If your oven doesn’t have a broil setting, continue baking uncovered until asparagus is tender and chicken is golden.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American