Lemony Chicken Cutlets
Tender chicken cutlets with a zesty lemon flavor, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bone the chicken breasts and pound them to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Mix the flour, salt, and pepper to create a coating mixture.
- Lightly coat the chicken cutlets with the flour mixture.
- Reserve the remaining flour mixture for later use.
- In a skillet, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Add the coated chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- In a separate saucepan, bring water and chicken flavored bouillon cube or chicken broth to a boil.
- Pour the broth mixture over the cooked chicken and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute margarine with butter for a richer taste. If you're out of chicken bouillon, using low-sodium chicken broth is a great alternative. For gluten-free options, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemony chicken cutlets over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. For a comforting option, try them with 'Chicken And Broccoli' for a delicious combination that complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken cutlets in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemony Chicken Cutlets contains roughly 59 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1876mg per serving (82% 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 before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious not to start cooking them in the microwave.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or olive oil for a healthier option. Both alternatives will work well in this recipe and add a rich flavor to the chicken cutlets.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken cutlets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown on both sides. You can also cut into the thickest part of the cutlet to ensure there is no pink meat remaining.
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).