Lemon-Dijon Chicken Breasts
Tender chicken breasts are coated with a flavorful lemon-Dijon breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection, and accented with fresh citrus juices. This dish offers a bright, tangy profile with crispy texture, making it ideal for a quick, elegant meal suitable for both weeknights and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine breadcrumbs and grated lemon rind in a bowl, stirring well.
- Mix lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and lime juice in a separate bowl; brush the mixture over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish coated with vegetable cooking spray.
- Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Turn the chicken and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. If you don't have Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard or regular yellow mustard can work as substitutes. To make this dish even lighter, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of fine dry breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside quinoa or brown rice. A side of Ceilia'S Potato Salad can also complement the flavors nicely, making for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lemon-Dijon Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring it retains its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Dijon Chicken Breasts contains roughly 81 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the coating from becoming soggy. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Lemon-Dijon Chicken gluten-free, substitute the fine dry breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, verify that the Dijon mustard you use is gluten-free.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the lemon juice and mustard mixture for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavor. Just be sure to pat the chicken dry before dredging it in breadcrumbs for optimal crispiness.
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).