Chicken Diane

Craving a quick yet impressive dinner? Chicken Diane is your go-to recipe! This dish is a lighter take on the classic Steak Diane, offering tender chicken breasts coated in a savory sauce that’s brightened with lemon and parsley. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up at home in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special family dinner. With simple and fresh ingredients you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can achieve with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients for Chicken Diane

• Chicken breasts: These boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce. For a quicker cook time, use chicken cutlets or thinly sliced chicken tenders.
• Olive oil: It provides a light, fruity base for browning the chicken. If you’re out, swap with vegetable oil or avocado oil for a similar result.
• Butter: A little butter goes a long way in adding richness to the dish. For a dairy-free option, use margarine or a vegan butter substitute.
• Lemon juice: This adds a fresh, tangy kick that balances the richness of the butter and mustard. Freshly squeezed juice is best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Fresh parsley: Parsley brightens the dish with its herbaceous flavor. If fresh isn’t available, dried parsley or fresh cilantro can be used.
• Dijon mustard: This gives the sauce a subtle heat and complexity. Yellow mustard can work if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: This helps create a light and savory sauce without overpowering the other flavors. Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a slightly different taste.
• Green onions: They add a mild and oniony bite that complements the lemon and mustard. If green onions aren’t available, shallots or chives can be used instead.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Flatten each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly, ensuring every bite is well seasoned.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for three to five minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and a thermometer reads 170°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.

Editor’s Tip: You can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before making the sauce for even more flavor.

Step 3: Make the sauce

In the same skillet, whisk together the lemon juice, parsley, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Add the chicken broth and green onions and stir to incorporate. Let the sauce simmer until it’s slightly reduced and heated through, about two to three minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately. The tangy, herb-infused sauce makes every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Diane Chicken Recipe Variations

• Try it with mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy addition that pairs well with the tangy sauce.
• Add a touch of cream: Stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer and more decadent version of this dish.
• Serve it over pasta: Toss cooked pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, in the lemon mustard sauce before adding the chicken.

How to Store Chicken Diane

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before storing them. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

How long does chicken Diane last?

Diane Chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the best taste and texture, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot and add in some chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Chicken Diane Recipe Tips

What to serve with chicken Diane?

Pair it with rice, potatoes, or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Can I make chicken Diane with chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.

How can I make chicken Diane gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients, especially the chicken broth and Dijon mustard, are certified gluten-free.

What’s the difference between chicken Diane and steak Diane?

Chicken Diane is a lighter variation of the classic Steak Diane, replacing beef with chicken breasts.