Indulge in the zestful Lemon Chicken recipe
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Do you want to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table? Look no further than this Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce recipe.
This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or simply to elevate a regular weeknight meal. The combination of fresh lemon juice, dry white wine, and savory champagne creates a creamy and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the tender, boneless skinless chicken breasts. Plus, this recipe is easy to prepare and will leave your guests impressed with your culinary skills.
Whether you’re looking for a dish to impress at a dinner party or just want to switch things up in the kitchen, this lemon chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cookin’!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a way to impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce! This dish is the perfect blend of tart and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
One of the things I love about this recipe is the use of fresh ingredients, like Italian plum tomatoes, lemon slices, and fresh savory. The combination of citrusy lemon and savory herbs creates a complex and aromatic flavor that will tantalize your sense of smell as well as your taste buds.
Not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a gourmet-quality meal on the table in no time. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make the recipe your own.
Whether you’re cooking for date night or hosting a dinner party, this Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce recipe is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and taste the magic for yourself!
Ingredient List
Before we proceed with the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients for Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce.
The chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
The sauce
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest grated from 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 40 cloves garlic
- Butter for sautéing the chicken and making the sauce
- Cream fraiche or heavy cream
Savory champagne sauce
- Champagne
- Cognac or brandy
- Italian plum tomatoes
- Fresh savory
You may also want to have additional lemons and lemon slices on hand for serving. Keep in mind that you can adjust the ingredient measurements depending on how much sauce you’d like to make.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know what we are dealing with let’s dive into making the perfect Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce Recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup champagne
- 40 cloves garlic
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Lemon slices for garnish
Preheat the oven
Before we start, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Season and cook chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-duty pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sauté until golden brown for about five minutes per side.
Make the sauce
Remove chicken from the pot and set it aside. Pour off excess fat, then add champagne and white wine to deglaze the pot. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half. Add lemon juice, creme fraiche, garlic cloves, and fresh savory. Continue simmering until the sauce is reduced by half.
Add chicken back to the pot
Add chicken back to the pot and pour over sauce. Cut four tablespoons of butter into small pieces and place them over the top of each piece of chicken. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over it all.
Roast in the oven!
Place pot in preheated oven at 400°F until chicken is no longer pink inside: about 20 minutes.
Garnish
Garnish with lemon slices as desired. Serve hot!
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to experiment with the Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce recipe to make it your own. Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations to try out:
– For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream and butter with creme fraiche or even low-fat Greek yogurt.
– If you don’t have champagne or dry white wine, you can use cognac or brandy instead. This will add a richer flavor profile and a deeper color to your sauce.
– Instead of Italian plum tomatoes, try using cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and a more colorful presentation.
– You can also swap the herbs in the recipe for any fresh savory ingredients you have on hand. Thyme, rosemary, and oregano would all be great alternatives.
– If you want to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts with roasted mushrooms, eggplant, or tempeh.
Remember that cooking is all about creativity and experimentation. So don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and flavors until you find what works best for you. Whether you decide to stick with the classic recipe or mix it up with some substitutions and variations, your Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serving and Pairing
After preparing this delicious lemon chicken in savory champagne sauce recipe, you’ll want to serve it with a side of fluffy white rice or some buttery mashed potatoes. The rich and indulgent flavors of the sauce pair perfectly with these side dishes, absorbing the creamy texture and enhancing the flavor. You could also include a simple green salad to complement the dish’s acidity and add some extra texture and freshness.
To perfectly balance the sweet and sour flavors of the sauce, we suggest pairing this dish with a crisp and refreshing white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. These wines’ bright flavors will elevate the tangy lemon and wine taste of the sauce while cutting through its creaminess.
If you prefer something different, you could also try serving this chicken dish with a fruity red wine like a Pinot Noir or Merlot, which will counterbalance the sharpness of the lemon in the sauce beautifully. If you’re not into wine, you could opt for an ice-cold beer such as a lager or pale ale, as its dry bitterness would contrast well against the buttery taste of the sauce.
For vegetarians, you could substitute chicken breast for your favorite plant-based meat alternative and pair it with a starch like quinoa. And for keto enthusiasts, this recipe is already low-carb when served without rice or potatoes.
No matter how you choose to serve this dish, be prepared for an explosion of flavor that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This lemon chicken in savory champagne sauce recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. After cooking, let it cool down to room temperature before covering it properly and storing it in the refrigerator for one to two days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to reheat it, preheat the oven to 350 F, remove the plastic wrap or foil from the dish, and cover it with foil. Bake for around 25 minutes or until the chicken is hot and heated through. Don’t overcook the chicken as it can become dry.
Another method is to reheat the chicken in a microwave or on a stovetop. If you’re using a microwave, cut the chicken into small pieces and reheat in a microwave-safe dish, adding a little bit of water and covering it with plastic wrap, leaving a small opening for steam. Microwave on high for three minutes, stirring occasionally.
If reheating on a stove, heat up a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces or whole breasts along with any remaining sauce and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Just remember that creamy champagne sauce might separate if reheated too much. To prevent this, stir well before reheating or take out some of the sauce before reheating and add afterward.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect outcome of this lemon chicken in savory champagne sauce recipe, I have gathered some tips that one should keep in mind while preparing this dish.
First and foremost, make sure your chicken breasts are at room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat and makes it more tender.
When sautéing the chicken, do not crowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, resulting in a less flavorful chicken.
To achieve a delightful lemony flavor, zest two lemons and add them to the sauce. This will provide a bright citrus taste that complements the champagne sauce.
If you prefer a richer taste, substitute heavy cream for crème fraiche in the sauce. This will produce a luscious and creamy texture with every bite of the dish.
To achieve a crispy golden crust on your chicken breasts, make sure to pat them dry before seasoning them with salt and pepper. This will help remove any excess moisture and help create that beautiful crust.
Lastly, do not overcook or undercook the chicken. Remove from heat once it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C. Overcooked chicken breasts could become dry and chewy, whereas undercooked ones could pose health risks.
By following these simple tips, you can take your lemon chicken savory champagne recipe to new heights and impress anyone who takes a bite of this delectable dish.
FAQ
Before you start preparing this delectable lemon chicken in savory champagne sauce, it is essential to go through some of the most frequently asked questions about the recipe. In this section, I will be answering some common concerns and queries that people may have while making this dish. So, read on to clear your doubts and cook up a perfect meal that will leave everyone asking for more.
What is champagne sauce made of?
To create a delectable sauce for Oven-Steamed Salmon, I mix together mayonnaise, sparkling wine, sour cream, mustard, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. I heat up the sauce in the microwave for around 20 seconds until it becomes warm and then finish it off by stirring in finely chopped chives. This saucy goodness will elevate the flavors of the salmon dish and make it even more of a delight to savor.
What is lemon chicken sauce made of?
If you’re looking for a delectable and easy-to-make sauce that can tickle your taste buds, then you should try this creamy blend of chicken soup, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. This sauce goes well with rice, pasta, veggies, and chicken, and can be further enhanced with the addition of a few sprigs of basil or a pinch of Italian seasoning.
What is Chinese lemon chicken made of?
Chinese lemon chicken is a dish made up of small pieces of skinless chicken that are cooked until they develop a golden and crispy texture. This succulent chicken is then paired with a delectable sweet and sour sauce that makes it an excellent side dish to serve along with steaming white rice or other Chinese sides.
How do you thicken champagne sauce?
When heating a medium-sized pan over medium heat, it’s best to melt the butter first. Afterward, whisk in the flour until the mixture becomes golden brown and the scent changes to a nutty aroma. Once the roux is ready, it can be added to the sauce in the pot. Flour is an excellent thickening agent for gravies, soups, stews, and sauces that contain dairy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lemon chicken in savory champagne sauce recipe is a must-try for all food enthusiasts. The recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Not only is it delicious, but it also combines the flavors beautifully, leaving you with a mouthful of deliciousness.
The chicken is savory and tender, while the lemony notes bring out an additional dimension of flavor that is truly irresistible. Additionally, the champagne sauce is creamy yet delicate and complements the chicken perfectly.
This recipe will make you feel like an accomplished chef, and the presentation will leave your guests impressed. Whether you’re going for a fancy dinner or just looking to enjoy a delicious dish, this lemon chicken in savory champagne sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
So go ahead and give it a try – I guarantee it won’t disappoint!
Lemon Chicken in Savory Champagne Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 lemons, zest of, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 tablespoons chopped fresh savory
- 3 -4 Italian plum tomatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons cognac or 2 tablespoons brandy
- 4 -6 lemon slices
- 1 cup nonvintage champagne
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup creme fraiche
Instructions
- With a sharp knife, cut chicken breasts in quarters, lenghtwise.
- Arrange in a single layer in a large glass baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine wine, lemon juice, zest, oil, and 3 tbsp savory.
- Pour over chicken breasts.
- Cover and refridgerate for 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375*.
- Bake for 20-25 min or until chicken is tender, adding tomato quarters to baking dish during last 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pour cognac in small saucepan.
- Warm it and flame it with a match.
- When flames subside, add butter and saute lemon slices for 2 minute per side.
- Add champagne to saucepan and cook over high heat until reduced by half.
- Whisk in the cream and creme fraiche.
- Boil to the consistency of thick creme.
- Add remaining 2 tbsp chopped savory.
- Arrange chicken and tomatoes on plates.
- Spoon over sauce and garnish with lemon slices.