Chicken With Lemon Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts with a tangy lemon sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy bright, citrusy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse chicken; pat dry.
- Combine 1/4 cup flour, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag.
- Add chicken pieces, a few at a time, shaking to coat.
- Cook chicken in hot margarine or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and no longer pink, turning once.
- Reduce heat as necessary during cooking to prevent over-browning.
- Remove chicken from skillet, reserving any drippings.
- Keep chicken warm.
- For sauce, combine 1/4 cup flour, chicken broth, lemon juice, and sugar in a screw-top jar.
- Cover and shake well; add to skillet.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Cook and stir 1 minute longer.
- Stir in lemon juice and sugar; heat through.
- Serve sauce over chicken.
- Sprinkle with chives.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Chicken With Lemon Sauce, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the lemon juice and some garlic for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Always keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to avoid over-browning, which can affect the sauce's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the lemon sauce drizzled on top, and consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a refreshing side. This dish pairs beautifully with oven fried chicken wings or a rice pilaf for a more filling meal. Fresh chives make a lovely garnish, adding color and a mild onion flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken With Lemon Sauce 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 or water to keep it moist. Heat gently until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Lemon Sauce contains roughly 403 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave for quick thawing, but be careful not to partially cook the chicken.
What can I substitute for margarine or butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or coconut oil in place of margarine or butter. Both will work well for sautéing the chicken, though olive oil may add a slightly different flavor to the dish. For a lower fat alternative, consider using a cooking spray to brown the chicken.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the lemon sauce, you can mix an additional tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce. Stir this mixture into the sauce while it simmers, cooking until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to allow it to simmer long enough for the flour taste to cook out.
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).