Chicken Breasts Diane
Chicken Breasts Diane is a delightful dish that features tender chicken breasts sautéed to perfection, complemented by a rich sauce of lemon, chives, and a hint of brandy. This recipe is perfect for a classy dinner party or a cozy family meal, bringing a touch of sophistication to any table.
Ingredients
- 8 small boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions ⓘ
- juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
- 2 Tbsp brandy or cognac (optional) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 c chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breast halves between sheets of waxed paper and pound slightly with a mallet.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and butter in a large skillet.
- Cook the chicken over high heat for 4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm serving platter.
- Add chives, lemon juice, and brandy (if used), parsley, and mustard to the pan.
- Cook for 15 seconds, whisking constantly, then add the broth and continue to whisk.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth, then whisk in the remaining oil and butter.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
- Good served with noodles and tomato sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute the butter with additional olive oil. For a gluten-free option, ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free and use a gluten-free chicken broth. Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly, so don't skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with noodles and tomato sauce, or you can serve it over a bed of wild rice with pecans for a nutty contrast. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the rich flavors of the sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a creamy hashbrown casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Breasts Diane can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, and heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the chicken from becoming dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts Diane contains roughly 204 calories, with 10g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1194mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
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 and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet and combine with the warmed sauce for a quick meal.
What can I substitute for the brandy or cognac?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the brandy or cognac with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for a similar flavor profile. This will maintain the dish's richness without the alcohol.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it's possible to freeze leftovers, the texture of the chicken may change upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, use an airtight container and consume within 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove to retain moisture.
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).