Lemon Pepper poached Chicken

Lemon Pepper Poached Chicken Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45-60 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Lemon Pepper poached Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tangy lemon, spicy pepper, and savory seasonings creates a delicious and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Lemon Pepper poached Chicken are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. The combination of lemon and pepper has long been a popular flavor pairing in cooking, and when combined with poaching, it creates a tender and juicy chicken dish that is full of flavor.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of skinless and boneless chicken breasts
36 fl oz (1.06 liter) of Wish Bone italian dressing
lemon pepper (with reduced sodium, optional)
Tony Chachere's Original creole seasoning
Morton Nature's Seasons seasoning Blend
cayenne pepper (optional, depending on desired heat level)

How to prepare

1. Trim excess fat and skin from the chicken, if present.
2. Slice the chicken breasts into 0.25 to 0.5 inch thick slices.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with generous pinches of Lemon pepper and Tony Chachere's seasoning, and a sparse amount of Nature Seasoning blend. Add a few small pinches of Cayenne Pepper if desired.
4. Place the chicken in a baking dish that is 2 to 3 inches deep.
5. Shake well and pour Wish Bone Italian Dressing over the chicken until it is completely covered. (Optional: Strain the dressing before pouring).
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 400°F (204°C) on the middle oven rack for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Be extremely careful when removing from the oven as the oil will be very hot.
7. Serve.

Additional Info

Cooking time can be reduced to 30-45 minutes by preheating the Italian Dressing to about 275-300°F (149°C) on the stove in a saucepan. If using this method, please be cautious when applying foil and placing the dish into the oven.
Please be aware of proper hygiene when handling raw chicken. We recommend wiping down any surfaces that may have come into contact with the chicken with antibacterial cleaner or bleach after preparation, including seasoning containers.

Variations

Try adding different herbs and spices to the seasoning mix, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Substitute the Italian dressing with a different marinade or sauce for a different flavor profile.

Notes

Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Serves: 4 - 6

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim any excess fat and skin from the chicken before seasoning and cooking.

- Preheating the Italian dressing on the stove before pouring it over the chicken can help reduce cooking time.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

- Be cautious when handling raw chicken and be sure to clean any surfaces that come into contact with it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lemon Pepper poached Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Poaching the chicken in Italian dressing helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts for a different texture and flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix and Italian dressing ahead of time for even more flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Lemon Pepper poached Chicken with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of additional lemon pepper seasoning for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Lemon Pepper poached Chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

0g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

- Trans Fat: 0g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2% DV

- Vitamin C: 10% DV

- Calcium: 2% DV

- Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This Lemon Pepper poached Chicken recipe is a low-carb, high-protein dish that is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Summary

Lemon Pepper poached Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful seasoning mix and Italian dressing, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Lemon Pepper poached Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Martha was known for her fantastic cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out new recipes whenever I visited her.

On that particular day, Martha invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a glass of ice-cold lemonade. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Martha began to prepare dinner. I watched in awe as she deftly seasoned a succulent chicken breast with lemon pepper and placed it in a pot of simmering water. The aroma that filled the air was simply divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As the chicken cooked, Martha shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The secret, Martha explained, was in the simplicity of the ingredients and the method of poaching the chicken in a flavorful broth. She also emphasized the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together.

After the chicken had finished cooking, Martha served it up alongside a crisp green salad and some buttery mashed potatoes. The combination of flavors was absolutely heavenly, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

When I returned home, I immediately set to work recreating Martha's Lemon Pepper poached Chicken recipe. I gathered the necessary ingredients – chicken breasts, lemon pepper seasoning, chicken broth, and fresh herbs – and got to work in my own kitchen. As the chicken simmered away on the stove, I could already tell that it was going to be a hit.

The moment of truth came when I sat down to enjoy the finished dish. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a subtle hint of lemon and pepper that was simply delicious. The broth had infused the meat with flavor, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

From that day on, Martha's Lemon Pepper poached Chicken became a staple in my own recipe repertoire. I served it to friends and family, who all raved about its incredible taste and asked for the recipe. I was proud to share the secret of this dish with others, knowing that it had been passed down to me from a dear friend.

As the years went by, I continued to make Martha's Lemon Pepper poached Chicken, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different herbs and seasonings, always striving to perfect the dish just a little bit more. And with each batch that I made, I felt a deep connection to Martha and her grandmother, knowing that their legacy lived on through each delicious bite.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Martha's Lemon Pepper poached Chicken for yet another dinner party, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe evokes. It's more than just a dish – it's a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the people we love.

And as I serve up the steaming plates of chicken, I know that Martha and her grandmother would be proud to see how their recipe has endured through the years, bringing joy and delight to all who taste it. I may have learned this recipe from Martha, but it is now a part of me, a legacy that I will continue to pass down to future generations.