Zesty Chicken Breasts Recipe
Welcome to Love with Recipes! Today, we’re diving into a quick and flavorful dish that will elevate your weeknight dinner game: Zesty Chicken Breasts. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a low-carb, high-protein meal that’s bursting with lemony goodness. With just 15 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 lemons, zest of
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt to taste (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 155.2
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Cholesterol: 77.7mg
- Sodium: 188.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 2.2g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 24.3g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by rubbing the zest of 2 lemons evenly onto each side of the chicken breasts. This step infuses the chicken with bright citrus flavors.
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Seasoning:
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with pepper, pressing gently so that the seasoning adheres well. You can add a pinch of salt if desired, although the Worcestershire sauce will add savory depth later.
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Cooking Process:
- In a heavy nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to sizzle, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
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Sautéing the Chicken:
- Sauté the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and keep warm.
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Deglazing the Skillet:
- To make the zesty sauce, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits (this process is called deglazing) and combine the flavors.
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Finishing Touches:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
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Serving:
- Serve the Zesty Chicken Breasts immediately while warm. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, a side salad, or your favorite grain for a balanced meal.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh lemons for zesting and juicing to maximize the citrus flavor.
- Cooking Time: Ensure not to overcook the chicken breasts to keep them tender and juicy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of pepper or add salt according to your taste preferences.
Health Benefits:
This Zesty Chicken Breasts recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious:
- High Protein: Each serving provides 24.3g of protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to increase protein intake.
- Low Carb: With only 2.2g of carbohydrates per serving, it’s suitable for low-carb diets.
- Moderate Calories: At just 155.2 calories per serving, it fits well into calorie-conscious meal plans.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard creates a flavorful sauce that enhances the natural taste of chicken.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this Zesty Chicken Breasts recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and bold flavors. Enjoy a delightful meal that’s ready in a flash, and visit Love with Recipes for more culinary inspirations to elevate your cooking experience.
