Chicken With Lemons And Asparagus
A flavorful chicken dish featuring tender cutlets cooked with fresh lemon slices and asparagus, ideal for a light, bright, and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently pound chicken between 2 sheets of waxed paper to make cutlets.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture until coated, then remove chicken, saving excess flour.
- In a large heavy skillet, heat margarine and olive oil until bubbling, but not browned.
- Add chicken and brown on both sides.
- Remove chicken from skillet and reduce heat.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to loosen browned bits.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through.
- Add lemon slices and cook for a few more minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra lemon slices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with cornstarch or almond flour. If you don't have margarine, butter works perfectly as an alternative. Fresh asparagus can be added to the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant touch and additional nutrition. This dish can also be served over a bed of rice or alongside a refreshing side salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken alongside roasted potatoes or a light quinoa salad for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad, making it versatile for any occasion. For a heartier twist, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of garlic bread. A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the lemony flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covering the dish to retain moisture. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Lemons And Asparagus contains roughly 121 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% 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 bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will increase. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. Adjust the cooking time by adding 10-15 minutes, and consider covering the skillet to retain moisture and flavor.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used. However, using broth will enhance the flavor of the dish. For a richer taste, you might add a splash of white wine or a bouillon cube dissolved in water as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat gently and combine. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).