Lemon Chicken II

Delicious Lemon Chicken Recipe with Pistachios

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Lemon Chicken II is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of tangy lemon juice, zesty lemon peel, and crunchy pistachio nuts creates a unique and refreshing flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Lemon chicken is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The use of lemon in cooking can be traced back to ancient times, where it was used to add flavor and acidity to dishes. Over the years, different variations of lemon chicken have emerged, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2.5 lb or 1.13 kg)
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon peel
0.25 cup chopped toasted pistachio nuts, if desired
lemon slices, if desired

How to prepare

Flatten each chicken breast half to a thickness of 0.25 inches between sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper.
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with lemon pepper.
Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken, lemon juice, and lemon peel in the oil for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the chicken once and stirring the juice mixture occasionally, until the juice of the chicken is no longer pink when the centers of the thickest pieces are cut.
Serve the chicken topped with the juice mixture, nuts, and lemon slices.

Variations

Substitute the pistachio nuts with almonds or cashews for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of white wine to the lemon juice mixture for a more complex taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

- Toasting the pistachio nuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

- Be sure to turn the chicken only once while cooking to prevent it from becoming dry.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Chicken II can be served with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Flattening the chicken breasts and cooking them in a skillet ensures that they cook evenly and quickly, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lemon pepper, you can use a combination of black pepper and lemon zest as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lemon juice mixture and flatten the chicken breasts ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Lemon Chicken II with fresh parsley or additional lemon slices for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon Chicken II pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon Chicken II contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon Chicken II contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon Chicken II contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon Chicken II contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon Chicken II is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and niacin.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pistachio nuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Lemon Chicken II is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Summary

Lemon Chicken II is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its tangy lemon flavor, crunchy pistachio nuts, and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Lemon Chicken II. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my Aunt Maria prepare a delicious meal for the family. As we sat down to eat, she brought out a platter of succulent Lemon Chicken that had everyone's mouths watering.

I asked Aunt Maria where she had learned to make such a delectable dish, and she told me the story of how she had acquired the recipe from a dear friend who had learned it from her own grandmother. The secret, she said, was in the perfect balance of tangy lemon juice, savory garlic, and aromatic herbs.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make Lemon Chicken II just like Aunt Maria did. I asked her to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed to pass down her culinary knowledge to me.

The first step in making Lemon Chicken II was to marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Aunt Maria showed me how to make the marinade, carefully measuring out each ingredient and explaining the importance of letting the chicken soak up all the flavors for at least an hour.

As the chicken marinated, Aunt Maria taught me how to prepare the rest of the dish. She showed me how to brown the chicken in a hot skillet, creating a golden crust that locked in all the juices and flavors. Then, she demonstrated how to simmer the chicken in a tangy lemon sauce, infusing every bite with a burst of citrusy goodness.

The aroma of the Lemon Chicken II filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to taste the final result. As Aunt Maria served the dish to the family, I watched with pride as everyone took their first bite and exclaimed with delight at the delicious flavors.

From that day on, Lemon Chicken II became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and whenever I wanted to impress my guests with a mouthwatering meal.

Over the years, I have honed my skills in making Lemon Chicken II, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe that Aunt Maria taught me will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the bond we share through our love of cooking, and the joy of sharing delicious meals with the ones we hold dear.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Lemon Chicken II, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down to me. And I know that wherever Aunt Maria is, she is smiling down on me, proud of the chef I have become.