Microwave Chicken Breast Diane
Juicy microwave-cooked chicken breasts infused with fresh herbs, citrus, and a touch of brandy, perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onion ⓘ
- Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon
- 2 Tbsp brandy or cognac ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 tsp Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper.
- Pound slightly to an even thickness.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cook the chicken on high for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter or margarine over low heat.
- Add chopped chives or green onion, lime or lemon juice, brandy or cognac (if using), chopped parsley, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir well and cook briefly to combine flavors.
- Pour the herb mixture over cooked chicken breasts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are of uniform thickness when pounding. If you don't have brandy or cognac, white wine or even apple juice can work as a substitute. You can also enhance the sauce with additional herbs like thyme or tarragon for a different flavor profile. For a lighter option, consider using a non-stick cooking spray instead of oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Breast Diane over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed asparagus. For a hearty option, consider serving with creamy mashed potatoes or the comforting Cream Of Potato Soup(Especially Irresistible On A Cold Day.) to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Breast Diane can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in short intervals until warmed through. This helps retain moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Breast Diane contains roughly 253 calories, with 13g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2120mg per serving (92% 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?
While fresh chicken breasts are recommended for even cooking, you can use frozen ones if you thaw them completely first. Ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed since frozen chicken may take longer to cook through in the microwave.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a mix of mayonnaise and vinegar as a substitute. This will give you a similar tangy flavor, although it may alter the texture slightly.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the herb sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving, and pour the sauce over just before serving for the best flavor.
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).