Low-Fat Lemon Chicken
A zesty, low-fat lemon chicken dish featuring bright citrus flavors, perfect for healthy and flavorful dinners suitable for family or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons frozen unsweetened orange juice concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 package instant chicken flavor broth mix ⓘ
- 1 pound boned, skinned chicken parts, cut into large chunks ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- toasted sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, pepper, orange juice, broth mix, parsley, and vegetable oil.
- Heat over medium heat until hot.
- Add chicken chunks to the skillet.
- Cook chicken, turning frequently, until done, about 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon juice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil for a richer taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. This dish can also be adjusted with herbs like thyme or rosemary to complement the lemon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Low-Fat Lemon Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal. This dish also goes well with crusty bread to complete your dining experience. For more chicken inspiration, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Lemon Chicken contains roughly 743 calories, with 14g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 breasts instead of mixed parts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than larger chicken parts. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Ensure that the Dijon mustard and chicken broth mix are gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch as a thickener without any gluten concerns, making this a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can easily incorporate vegetables by adding them to the skillet along with the chicken. Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
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).