Aunt Wanda Chicken
A comforting and flavorful chicken dish featuring tender chicken breast tenderloins simmered in a creamy lemon pepper sauce. Perfect for weeknights, it pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes and offers a delightful blend of savory and citrusy notes that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat enough oil in a skillet to cover the bottom.
- Salt the chicken tenderloins and dredge them in flour.
- Lightly brown both sides of the tenderloins in the oil.
- Pour off some of the oil from the skillet.
- Generously sprinkle the tenderloins with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup with half a can of hot water.
- Pour the soup mixture over the tenderloins.
- Sprinkle with a little more lemon pepper seasoning.
- Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for dredging. If you want a lighter version, opt for olive oil instead of regular oil. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher flavor. For additional flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to the flour mixture. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes for comforting, home-cooked meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Wanda Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad pairs nicely to balance the dish's richness. This dish also complements well with rolls or crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist, or microwave in short bursts until heated through, being careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Wanda Chicken contains roughly 377 calories, with 11g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber.
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 use chicken thighs instead of breast tenderloins?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breast tenderloins. They will add a bit more flavor and moisture to the dish, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs typically take a little longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Aunt Wanda Chicken gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging. Ensure that the cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free, which can usually be found at grocery stores.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
For a complete meal, consider serving Aunt Wanda Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, like carrots and asparagus, or a light salad. You can also pair it with quinoa or couscous for an added texture and flavor, making it a well-rounded dinner.
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).