Easy Clean Eating Lemon Chicken Recipe
I love how you bread the chicken right in the pan. I love to make this for a quick weeknight dinner and my whole family loves it.
I love how you bread the chicken right in the pan. I love to make this for a quick weeknight dinner and my whole family loves it.
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 3/4 pounds chicken tenders (fresh or individually frozen)
- 1/3 cup einkorn flour (light spelt flour works very well
- real salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbl oil of your choice
- juice of 1 1/2 large or 2 small lemons
- 1 lemon (sliced for garnish)
- chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Carbohydrate 2.8282562523891 g
- Cholesterol 17.6515625085693 mg
- Fat 6.71374062827898 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 2.07629687673008 g
- Saturated Fat 3.90071750177975 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (219g)
- Sodium 155.260000114231 mg
- Sugar 2.8282562523891 g
- Trans Fat 0.469983125229537 g
- Calories 80 calories
Step-by-step
- Put a cold frying pan on the burner and don't turn it on.
- Put 2 tablespoons of oil in the bottom of the pan.
- Put chicken tenders in the pan.
- Sprinkle salt and/or pepper over the chicken.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken, as thick or thin as you like.
- Flip the chicken over and repeat.
- Turn on the stove to about medium/low heat, depending on your stove.
- When chicken is browned on one side, flip over and cook the other side.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside if you want your chicken crispy, with the lemon sauce on the side. Or keep in the pan if you want the chicken to absorb the lemon sauce.
- If you have a good amount of oil and cooked flour/breading in the pan, you don't need to do anything. If you don't have enough, add more. Usually there is plenty of oil, but you may need more flour so your sauce isn't too oily and thin and it's a lot easier to add the flour now. If you added flour, stir it around to absorb the oil.
- Pour the chicken stock and lemon juice into the pan and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has reduced by half and thickened.
- Check seasonings and add more salt, if desired.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the butter.
- Add lemon slices and chopped fresh parsley to the pan to garnish.
My Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Easy Lemon Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house running smoothly, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so grateful for recipes like this Easy Clean Eating Lemon Chicken. It’s quick, easy, and the whole family loves it – even the picky eaters! The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it based on what’s in your fridge or pantry, and it always delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal.
What makes this recipe stand out is the simplicity of the breading process. No messy dredging stations or extra bowls to wash – you bread the chicken right in the pan! This clever technique saves time and minimizes clean-up, which is a huge win in my book. The lemon sauce is the perfect complement to the tender, flavorful chicken. It’s bright, zesty, and cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully. It's the kind of meal that tastes impressive, but doesn't require any fancy culinary skills. Honestly, even on my most rushed evenings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. And the best part? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can elevate the flavor profile, while a sprinkle of paprika adds a touch of warmth and color. If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can substitute with other citrus fruits like lime or orange. The possibilities are endless! You can serve this with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even some fluffy rice. It's a complete meal on its own, which makes it perfect for those nights when you need something substantial, quick, and nutritious.
This isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a testament to the power of simple, flavorful cooking. It's a recipe I've perfected over time, adapting it to suit my ever-changing schedule and family needs. It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be delicious, satisfying, and a joy to prepare, even on the busiest of days. So next time you’re looking for a fast and flavorful meal that the entire family will devour, give this Easy Clean Eating Lemon Chicken a try. I guarantee it will become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. The flavor difference is noticeable!
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This ensures even browning.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Serve immediately for the best results. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Get the kids involved! This is a great recipe for involving children in the cooking process.
This recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights, and a perfect example of how simple, healthy cooking can be both delicious and satisfying. It’s become a firm favorite in my home, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
