Lemon Chicken N Broccoli
Bright lemon chicken with crisp broccoli and tender noodles, a quick weekday meal that balances zesty citrus, savory chicken, and fresh veggies for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. boneless chicken breast, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. grated lemon peel (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. lemon juice ⓘ
- 6 oz. yolk-free noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, skim milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Melt margarine in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and chicken strips; sauté for 4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Add thawed broccoli and cook for 1 minute, then stir in the milk mixture.
- Continuously stir, bringing the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in chopped parsley, grated lemon peel (if using), and lemon juice.
- Serve the sauce over cooked noodles, tossing to coat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or replacing some skim milk with whole milk. If you want extra flavor, try using garlic alongside the onions during sautéing. For a gluten-free option, substitute yolk-free noodles with rice or gluten-free pasta. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just steam it slightly before adding to the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Chicken N Broccoli pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty touch. For a refreshing side, consider a citrus salad. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and complements other American recipes like Chicken Divan for a delicious themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwaving is also an option; do it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Chicken N Broccoli contains roughly 734 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2532mg per serving (110% 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 other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots for added nutrition and color. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Lemon Chicken N Broccoli is great for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just cook the noodles fresh or reheat them when you're ready to eat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Certainly! Substitute the skim milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk. Ensure to use a dairy-free margarine as well, and this dish will still deliver fantastic flavor without the dairy.
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).