Lite Parmesan Lemon Pepper Chicken
Lite Parmesan Lemon Pepper Chicken offers tender, seasoned chicken tenderloins with zesty lemon pepper and rich gravy, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal with rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the chicken tenderloins with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes, turning once during baking.
- While the chicken is baking, heat the chicken gravy, Parmesan cheese, and chicken bouillon granules together. Thicken or thin the mixture with chicken broth if desired.
- When the chicken is done, place the baked tenderloins on a bed of cooked yellow rice.
- Spoon the gravy over the chicken and rice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken tenderloins in lemon juice or buttermilk for an hour before seasoning. If you don't have chicken bouillon granules, use a low-sodium chicken broth instead. This dish pairs beautifully with cooked vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal. Consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lite Parmesan Lemon Pepper Chicken over a generous bed of cooked yellow rice, garnished with fresh parsley for color. This dish is wonderful served alongside steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of cornbread from the Cornbread And Andouille Stuffing recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes is another option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Parmesan Lemon Pepper Chicken contains roughly 81 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% 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 different types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; thicker cuts may require a few extra minutes in the oven. Bone-in pieces will also work but will take longer to cook. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use instead of fat-free Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for fat-free Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, or regular Parmesan if you're not concerned about fat content. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the lemon pepper seasoning or adding a dash of hot sauce to the gravy mixture. You could also serve it with a spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick!
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).