Zesty Chicken Saut

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Zesty Chicken Sauté! Juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts are infused with the bright, citrusy zing of lemon and orange zest, balanced by the warmth of garlic, fresh thyme, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Simmered in a savory chicken broth-based sauce, this easy-to-make dish delivers bold flavors in just 40 minutes, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this recipe pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a healthy and satisfying dish, this one-pan wonder is sure to impress. Keywords: zesty chicken sauté, citrus chicken recipe, quick weeknight dinners, one-pan chicken recipes, healthy chicken sauté.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If needed, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 2

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.

Step 4

Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should read 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).

Step 7

Stir in the lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These add flavor to the sauce.

Step 8

Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring it’s fully coated in the zesty mixture.

Step 10

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 11

Serve the Zesty Chicken Sauté warm, alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1037 grams (1037.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1581

Total Fat 67.50g	87%
Saturated Fat 13.50g	68%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 3434mg	149%
Total Carbohydrate 10.10g	4%
Dietary Fiber 2.10g	8%
Total Sugars 1.60g
Protein 220.40g	441%

Vitamin D 7IU	35%
Calcium 139mg	11%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 2128mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.7%

Protein: 57.6%

Carbs: 2.6%