Chicken In Lemon-Tomato Sauce
Juicy chicken cutlets topped with melted mozzarella in a tangy lemon-tomato sauce, complemented by crispy bacon and savory onion, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 thin sliced chicken cutlets ⓘ
- 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese
- 11 strips bacon ⓘ
- 3/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside, reserving 1 crumbled strip and the bacon fat.
- Saute minced onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until slightly browned, then drain off.
- Add crumbled bacon and 1 tablespoon bacon fat to the onion, then add minced garlic and mix well.
- Grate 1/2 pound of mozzarella cheese and reserve the remaining slices.
- Lightly salt the chicken cutlets and fill each with the onion and cheese mixture.
- Roll up the filled cutlets and secure with toothpicks.
- Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken roll in beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
- Heat a frying pan, then add 3 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons bacon fat.
- Brown the chicken on all sides, then cover and cook over medium heat until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, simmer tomato sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, sugar, and 1 tablespoon bacon fat, adding one crumbled bacon strip.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a baking dish, top with slices of mozzarella, and broil until cheese melts.
- Serve the chicken topped with the lemon-tomato sauce and white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be used instead of frying it fresh. You can also substitute the chicken cutlets with turkey or pork for a different protein option. To add a fresh touch, toss in some chopped herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with white rice to soak up the lemon-tomato sauce, but you could also serve it over pasta for a twist, similar to Chicken And Pasta Marinara. A side salad or steamed vegetables would complement the meal nicely, adding freshness and crunch. Consider serving with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps maintain the chicken's moisture and keeps the cheese from getting too tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Lemon-Tomato Sauce contains roughly 590 calories, with 19g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1703mg per serving (74% 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 prepare the chicken rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls a few hours ahead of time. Just assemble them and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, provolone or gouda can work as good substitutes. Both will melt nicely and provide a creamy texture. For a lower-fat option, consider using part-skim mozzarella.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating. Additionally, check the tomato sauce for gluten-free labeling to ensure it meets your dietary needs. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without worry.
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).