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low calorie italian lemon chicken

Pollo al Limone (Lemon Chicken)

This simple yet flavorful recipe features pan-seared chicken breasts with a golden crust, served with a zesty lemon-butter sauce. It’s light, delicious, and can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1-2 fresh lemons for zest and juice
  • 1-2 cups chicken bone broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken:
  1. Trim any visible fat or connective tissue from the chicken breasts.
  2. For even cooking, slice the chicken horizontally or use a meat mallet to pound it to about ½-inch thickness.
  3. Optional: Brine the chicken for 15 minutes to overnight to enhance flavor and moisture.
Prepare the Flour Mixture:
  1. In a bowl, mix ¼ cup of flour with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper.
Pan Searing:
  1. Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet, leaving space between each piece. Sear for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 162°F.
Making the Sauce:
  1. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Add chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
  3. Let the broth simmer and reduce by half, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter to the pan. Stir until the butter emulsifies into a smooth sauce.
Finish the Dish:
  1. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it.
  2. Cook for another minute or so, ensuring the chicken is coated with the sauce.
  3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of broth and lemon juice based on your preference for a more saucy or zesty dish.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch alone for dredging.
  • To add a twist, consider including capers or a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for more depth of flavor.