Special Lemony Chicken
A zesty lemon chicken dish featuring tender boneless breasts coated in seasoned flour, sautéed to golden perfection, then simmered with lemon juice and mushrooms for a flavorful meal that pairs well with rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a paper or plastic bag, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces a few at a time; shake to coat.
- In a large skillet, brown the chicken in margarine or butter on both sides until golden brown.
- Add ReaLemon juice and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with hot, cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice for a few hours before coating it in flour. If you don't have margarine, butter can be used as a substitute for a richer taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can be added for extra flavor, and for a twist, try adding a splash of white wine before simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Special Lemony Chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice, which will absorb the delicious lemony sauce. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish also goes well with simple sides like roasted potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For more ideas, check out other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Lemony Chicken contains roughly 665 calories, with 16g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1847mg per serving (80% 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 chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What can I substitute for ReaLemon juice?
You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice as a substitute for ReaLemon juice. In fact, fresh lemon juice will give the dish a brighter flavor. Just keep in mind that the amount may slightly vary, so start with less and adjust to taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider sprinkling in red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce when you add the lemon juice and mushrooms. This will elevate the dish's flavor profile and give it a delightful 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).