Aunt Nancy'S Lemon Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A zesty lemon chicken dish featuring tender strips of chicken in a tangy, sweet sauce. Perfect for those who enjoy bright, citrus flavors with a savory touch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 to 2 lb. boneless chicken breast
  • lemon juice
  • flour
  • 3/4 c. water
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into strips.
  2. Dip the chicken strips in lemon juice, then coat with flour.
  3. Lightly brown the chicken in a little oil in a frying pan.
  4. Combine water, bouillon cube, and brown sugar to make a mixture.
  5. Pour the mixture over the browned chicken.
  6. Cook until the chicken is done and the liquid thickens, adding more water if necessary.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier coating, let the flour-dusted chicken strips rest for a few minutes before frying. You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked chicken to speed up the process, though it will alter the texture slightly. For added depth, try incorporating fresh herbs or garlic into the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Aunt Nancy's Lemon Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken With Rice(Method: Dutch Oven) for a complete comfort food experience. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist, covering it to retain steam. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Nancy'S Lemon Chicken contains roughly 200 calories, with 9g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value).

200 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 0.9g 1% DV
Carbs 38.2g 14% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 244.4mg 11% DV
Potassium 172.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 11.5mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 13.4mg 1% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips and even brown them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and add the sauce when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld, making the dish even tastier.

What can I substitute for chicken bouillon?

If you don't have chicken bouillon, you can use vegetable broth or homemade stock as a substitute. Just ensure to adjust the salt levels accordingly, as broth can vary in saltiness compared to bouillon cubes.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the amount of brown sugar. Additionally, you can pan-sear instead of frying to decrease the amount of oil used. Pairing it with a green salad can also enhance the meal's nutritional value.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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