Chicken Diane
Chicken Diane features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a flavorful sauce of herbs, lime, and brandy. Its bright, savory notes make it perfect for an elegant dinner or a quick yet impressive meal for guests, served alongside pasta, vegetables, or salad for a complete dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound chicken flat between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper.
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet.
- Cook chicken over high heat for 2 minutes on each side.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a warm serving platter.
- Add chopped chives or green onions, lime juice, brandy (if using), chopped cilantro or parsley, and Dijon mustard to the skillet.
- Cook for 15 seconds, whisking constantly.
- Whisk in chicken broth and stir until the sauce is smooth.
- Whisk in remaining butter and olive oil.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even more tender chicken, marinate the breasts in lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don’t have chives, green onions work well as an alternative. You can also substitute cognac with white wine or omit it for a non-alcoholic version. To add depth to the sauce, consider a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Diane with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to complement the rich sauce. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a glass of white wine or a refreshing lime-based cocktail.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Diane contains roughly 166 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% 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 use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They are more flavorful and remain tender during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for lime juice?
If you don't have lime juice, lemon juice is a great substitute and will provide a similar acidity. For a different flavor profile, you could also use apple cider vinegar, but use it sparingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
While the chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before serving over freshly cooked chicken for a quick meal.
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).