Cold Lemon Chicken
A refreshing cold lemon chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a lemon wine sauce, perfect for light summer meals or entertaining guests. Bright, tangy flavors shine through.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In large skillet, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook, turning once, until light brown, about 4 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Add wine to the skillet, bring to a boil, scraping bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let chicken cool to room temperature before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute the reduced calorie margarine with olive oil. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use regular mayonnaise instead of reduced calorie. Fresh herbs like parsley can replace dill for a different taste. Ensure chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cold lemon chicken over a bed of lettuce leaves for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Roasted Red Potatoes With Skin On for a satisfying dinner. For a light lunch, consider adding a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad. Drizzle with additional lemon juice for extra zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This prevents the chicken from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Lemon Chicken contains roughly 293 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% 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 is best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming tough or rubbery.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cold lemon chicken can be prepared a day in advance. Once cooked and cooled, store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier when served the next day.
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).