Low Carb Lemon Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Healthy Dish for Weight Loss
Are you looking for a low-carb dinner option that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this flavorful and healthy low-carb lemon chicken recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a tasty and satisfying meal in no time.
This recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy lemon sauce that’s both savory and refreshing. Unlike many traditional chicken recipes that are loaded with carbs and calories, this low-carb version is a healthy and guilt-free option that’s perfect for anyone looking to watch their weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Best of all, it’s easy to customize the recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences, whether you prefer your chicken spicy, garlicky, or with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
If you’re looking for a delicious low carb meal, this lemon chicken recipe is a great option. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Chicken Preparation
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Lemon Sauce Components
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the chicken preparation, you’ll want to start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, you can start on the lemon sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Pour the lemon sauce over the chicken and serve immediately. This low carb lemon chicken recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Chicken Cooking Method
To get started with this low carb lemon chicken recipe, you’ll need to cook the chicken. Heat half of the olive oil in a non-stick large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until almost cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees F. Set chicken aside in a clean bowl, leaving the juices and oil in the bottom of the pan.
Sauce Preparation
Now it’s time to prepare the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Combining and Finalizing
Finally, it’s time to combine the chicken and sauce. Add the chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot and enjoy your low carb lemon chicken dish!
To summarize, you’ll cook the chicken in a non-stick skillet, prepare the sauce with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and then combine the chicken and sauce to create a delicious low carb lemon chicken dish.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made a delicious low carb lemon chicken recipe, it’s time to think about what to serve with it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb alternative to regular rice. It’s easy to make and goes perfectly with lemon chicken. To make cauliflower rice, simply chop a head of cauliflower into small pieces and pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice. Then, sauté it in a pan with a little bit of oil and seasonings of your choice.
2. Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal. Broccoli, asparagus, and green beans are all great options that pair well with lemon chicken. Simply steam them until they are tender, then season them with salt, pepper, and a little bit of butter.
3. Salad
A fresh salad is always a good choice to serve with lemon chicken. You can make a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. Or, you can get creative and add some other ingredients like avocado, feta cheese, or sliced almonds.
4. Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a great low-carb alternative to pasta. They are easy to make with a spiralizer and can be sautéed in a pan with a little bit of oil and garlic. They pair perfectly with lemon chicken and add some extra veggies to your meal.
No matter what you choose to serve with your low carb lemon chicken, it’s sure to be a hit. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your favorite combination.
Nutritional Information
If you are following a low-carb diet, you may be wondering about the nutritional information of a lemon chicken recipe. The good news is that this dish is generally low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great option for those trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Here is the nutritional information for a typical low-carb lemon chicken recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 287 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 123mg |
| Sodium | 360mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 22g |
As you can see, this lemon chicken recipe is relatively low in carbs, with only 4 grams of total carbohydrates per serving. It is also high in protein, with 22 grams of protein per serving. This makes it a great option for those trying to maintain a low-carb, high-protein diet.
In addition to being low in carbs and high in protein, this lemon chicken recipe is also a good source of healthy fats. It contains 20 grams of total fat per serving, with 6 grams of saturated fat. While saturated fat should be consumed in moderation, it is an important part of a healthy diet and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Overall, if you are looking for a delicious and healthy low-carb meal, this lemon chicken recipe is a great option. It is packed with protein and healthy fats, and is relatively low in carbs, making it a great choice for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet.
