Creamy Lemon Breaded Chicken is a delightful dish known for its tender, juicy chicken breast coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and served with a creamy lemon sauce. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors, with the zesty kick of lemon adding a refreshing twist to the classic breaded chicken recipe.
History:
The exact origin of Creamy Lemon Breaded Chicken is unclear, but it likely developed as a variation of traditional breaded chicken dishes that are popular in various cuisines. The addition of the creamy lemon sauce might be a modern twist to enhance the flavor profile.
Components:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used for this dish.
- Breadcrumbs: To create the crispy coating for the chicken, you’ll need breadcrumbs. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones, depending on your preference.
- Eggs: Eggs are used to create an adhesive layer that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest are essential for the tangy lemon flavor in the creamy sauce.
- Butter: Butter is used to make the creamy lemon sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Flour: Flour is used to thicken the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are used to flavor both the chicken and the sauce.
- Cooking Oil: Oil is used for frying the breaded chicken.
Steps to Prepare Creamy Lemon Breaded Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Breading Process: In separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it with breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage.
- Frying: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
- Prepare the Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for a minute to create a roux.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the roux. Stir well to combine.
- Creamy Texture: Gradually add heavy cream while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the creamy lemon breaded chicken and drizzle the lemon sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh herbs for added flair.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Creamy Lemon Breaded Chicken can vary, but on average, it takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including the time needed for frying the chicken and preparing the sauce. This is a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it a great option for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasions. Enjoy your meal!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Creamy Lemon Breaded Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 400-450 calories per serving (varies based on portion size and ingredients used)
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
- Cholesterol: 100-120 milligrams
- Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 5-8% of the DV
- Iron: 10-12% of the DV
Health Information:
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Protein: Creamy Lemon Breaded Chicken is a good source of protein, with each serving providing a significant portion of your daily protein needs. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Carbohydrates: The dish contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, mainly from the breadcrumbs used for coating the chicken. While it’s not a low-carb dish, it can still be part of a balanced meal.
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Fiber: There is limited dietary fiber in this dish, as it primarily consists of meat and breadcrumbs. Consider adding a side of vegetables or a salad to increase fiber intake.
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Saturated Fat: The creamy lemon sauce and frying the chicken in oil contribute to the saturated fat content. While moderate consumption is fine, be mindful of your overall saturated fat intake, as excess intake can be associated with heart health issues.
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Cholesterol: Chicken contains dietary cholesterol, and this dish includes chicken breasts. However, current dietary guidelines suggest that dietary cholesterol may have a limited impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet.
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Vitamin C: Lemon, a key ingredient in the creamy lemon sauce, is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and overall health.
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Calcium and Iron: While Creamy Lemon Breaded Chicken doesn’t provide significant amounts of these minerals, you can enhance the nutritional value of your meal by serving it with sides that are rich in these nutrients.
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Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on how the dish is seasoned. Be mindful of your salt intake, especially if you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake.
It’s important to note that the nutritional values mentioned here are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, consider adjusting the recipe to better align with your nutritional needs, such as using whole wheat breadcrumbs or reducing the use of butter in the sauce for a lighter version.
