Lo-Fat Lemon Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Lo-Fat Lemon Chicken offers a light, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a zesty lemon yogurt and crispy bread crumbs. Perfect for health-conscious diners, it combines tangy and savory notes with a satisfying crunch, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or nutritious family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup nonfat lemon yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Dip each piece of chicken in a mixture of nonfat lemon yogurt, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
  3. Lightly coat each piece with bread crumbs.
  4. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in a non-stick baking pan.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the coating is crisp.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the yogurt mixture. If you're out of nonfat lemon yogurt, plain nonfat yogurt mixed with lemon zest and a little honey works well. Consider using panko bread crumbs for an extra crunch. To enhance the spices, marinate the chicken in the yogurt mixture for a couple of hours before coating. This dish is a healthier option, reminiscent of American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This Lo-Fat Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. For a heartier option, serve it with quinoa or brown rice. A dollop of your favorite sauce, such as a yogurt-based sauce or a light vinaigrette, can elevate the dish. It also complements well with dishes like Pecan Honeymoon Squares for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispiness of the coating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lo-Fat Lemon Chicken contains roughly 383 calories, with 18g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). At about 383 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.

383 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.3g 37% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 82.2g 30% DV
Fiber 9.7g 34% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 152mg 7% DV
Potassium 1226.9mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0mcg
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 103.5mg 8% DV
Iron 6.4mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 chicken with skin for this recipe?

While skin-on chicken will add richness, it is recommended to use skinless for a low-fat option. Skin-on chicken will result in a higher fat content and may not achieve the same crispiness in the coating.

What can I substitute for bread crumbs?

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, crushed cornflakes or ground almonds can be great substitutes for bread crumbs. You can also use ground oats or even finely crushed nuts for added flavor and crunch.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should also be no longer pink in the center and the juices should run clear.

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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