Lo-Fat Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy, low-fat chicken breasts are seasoned with herbs, browned, and simmered in lemon juice, resulting in a flavorful dish perfect for healthy meals and family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 whole chicken breasts, boned and skinned
  • salt to taste
  • pinch of white pepper
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. thyme
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 2 tsp. vegetable oil
  • juice of 1 to 2 lemons

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, white pepper, minced garlic, thyme, and oregano.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Brown chicken on both sides.
  3. Add lemon juice to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, covered.
  5. Serve on rice with pan juices poured over.

Tips & Substitutions

For an even more flavorful dish, consider marinating the chicken in the lemon juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you're looking for a lower-fat alternative to vegetable oil, try using a non-stick cooking spray. You can also substitute the herbs with your favorite Mediterranean recipes to keep it fresh and interesting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzling the pan juices on top for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Lemon Rice Soup, which complements the lemony flavors perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Cover and heat until warmed through, ensuring the chicken stays tender.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lo-Fat Chicken contains roughly 302 calories, with 10g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (124% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1028mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

302 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.8g 20% DV
Total Fat 7.3g 9% DV
Carbs 71g 26% DV
Fiber 43g 100% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1028.3mg 45% DV
Potassium 1289.6mg 27% DV
Cholesterol 4.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 128.1mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 1606.5mg 100% DV
Iron 37.4mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but be aware that it will increase the fat content. If you prefer a lo-fat option, it's best to stick with boned and skinned chicken. Cooking times may also vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through.

What can I substitute for lemon juice?

If you don't have lemon juice on hand, lime juice is a great substitute that adds a similar acidity. Alternatively, you can use vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar, but adjust the amount to taste as it can be more potent.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a nice smoky flavor. Just be sure to preheat the grill and cook the chicken over medium heat, flipping once to achieve even cooking. Use the same seasoning for a delicious grilled version of this dish.

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).

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