Hey there, food lovers! 🍗 If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick and tasty meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Well, you’re in for a treat with this Baked Chicken with Lemon-Chive Sauce! It’s crispy, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait. Let’s dive into this deliciousness, shall we?
Try my Chicken Crust Pizza recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Crispy, Golden Goodness: These baked chicken strips are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside—perfect for satisfying those crispy cravings!
→ Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff here! You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
→ Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without the fuss.
→ Flavor-Packed: The paprika and garlic powder give the chicken a tasty kick, while the lemon-chive sauce adds a fresh, tangy twist.
→ Healthy Option: Baked, not fried—so you can enjoy these guilt-free!
→ Perfect for Dipping: That lemon-chive sauce is a game changer. You’ll want to dip everything in it!
→ Kid-Friendly: These chicken strips are sure to be a hit with the whole family, especially the little ones!
This recipe’s a winner all around! 🍗🍋
Try my Teriyaki Chicken Cucumber Sushi recipe.
What you’ll need to make
Let’s talk about the star players in this recipe:
→ Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and the perfect blank canvas for soaking up all the tasty flavors.
→ Egg: Helps everything stick together and gives the chicken a beautiful, golden color.
→ Olive Oil: Keeps things healthy and adds a touch of richness to the dish.
→ Paprika & Garlic Powder: These spices bring that smoky, savory kick that makes each bite irresistible.
→ Breadcrumbs: The secret to achieving that perfect, crispy crunch on the outside.
→ Chives & Greek Yogurt: Fresh chives mixed with tangy Greek yogurt create a creamy, flavorful base for the sauce.
→ Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds a bright, zesty punch to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
Try my Chicken Caesar Mason Jar recipe.
| Ingredients (Serves: 2) |
| For the chicken |
| – 10.6 oz. (300g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| – 1 egg |
| – 2 tbsp olive oil |
| – 1 tbsp paprika |
| – 1 tbsp garlic powder |
| – 0.7 oz. (20g) all purpose flour |
| – 2.1 oz. (60g) breadcrumbs |
| For the sauce |
| – 2 tbsp. chives, chopped |
| – 3.5 oz. (100g) Greek Yogurt |
| – 1/2 lemon, juice and zest |
What you’ll need to do
Time required: 30 mins
1| Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get a baking sheet ready by lining it with some baking paper. Easy peasy!
2| Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. We’re making these perfect for dipping and munching!
3| Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk it up with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Give it a good mix—this is where the magic starts!
4| Coat the chicken strips in flour first, then dunk them into your egg mixture, and finally, roll them in breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re nice and covered.
5| Lay those chicken strips out on your prepared baking sheet and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over them. This is what’s gonna make them extra crispy!
6| Pop the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake for 7 minutes.
7| Take the chicken out, flip the pieces over, and bake for another 10 minutes. You’re looking for that golden, crispy perfection.
8| While the chicken’s baking, mix up your sauce. Combine the chopped chives, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half of the lemon zest in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk it all together. This sauce is fresh, tangy, and just what your chicken needs!
9| Serve up the chicken hot with your lemon-chive dipping sauce. Dig in and enjoy every bite! 🍗🍋
Try my Easy Baked Orange Chicken recipe.
This version keeps things light, fun, and easy to follow!
Some possible substitution
Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer darker meat, swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re juicier and add a richer flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They’re lighter and create a super crispy coating.
Greek Yogurt Substitute: If you’re out of Greek yogurt, sour cream or even mayo can step in for a creamier sauce with a slightly different flavor profile.
Herb Swap: No chives? No problem! Try using fresh parsley, dill, or even green onions for a different twist on the sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to make this recipe friendly for those avoiding gluten.
Try my Caramelized Onion and Chicken Linguine recipe.
Some improvisation ideas
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the egg mixture if you’re in the mood for a little heat.
Zesty Coating: Mix some lemon zest directly into the breadcrumbs for an extra citrusy kick in every bite.
Garlic Lovers: Double up on the garlic powder or even add some freshly minced garlic to the sauce for an extra garlicky punch.
Cheesy Crust: Toss a handful of grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy, savory crust that’ll make these chicken strips even more irresistible.
Creamy Lemon Sauce: For a richer sauce, blend in a tablespoon of olive oil or a touch of cream into the yogurt mixture. It’ll add a smooth, silky texture.
Try my Chicken and Tomato Bake recipe.
Some useful tips for the recipe
1| Pat the Chicken Dry: Before coating the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps the flour and spices stick better, giving you a crispier coating.
2| Use a Baking Rack: If you have a wire rack that fits over your baking sheet, use it! Placing the chicken on a rack allows the heat to circulate evenly, making the chicken even crispier.
3| Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the chicken strips have enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of bake, which means less crunch.
4| Fresh Lemon Zest: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon directly over the sauce bowl. This releases the oils and gives the sauce an extra burst of lemony goodness.
5| Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s in the oven. Depending on the thickness of your chicken strips, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
6| Prep the Sauce Ahead: The lemon-chive sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the sauce even tastier.
7| Double Dipping: For an extra crunchy coating, you can double dip the chicken. After the first breadcrumb coating, dip it back into the egg mixture and then again in the breadcrumbs.
8| Use Fresh Chives: Fresh chives really make the sauce pop, so try to use them instead of dried ones. They add a bright, fresh flavor that’s hard to beat.
These tips will help you get the most out of this recipe, ensuring your chicken comes out perfectly every time!
Try my Thai Mango Chicken Curry recipe.
Some serving suggestions
1| Classic with a Side Salad: Serve the chicken strips with a crisp green salad. A simple side of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon-chive sauce.
2| Over Rice or Quinoa: Place the chicken strips over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. The sauce drizzled over the top adds a zesty kick to your grains.
3| In a Wrap or Sandwich: Wrap the chicken strips in a tortilla or sandwich roll with some fresh veggies and a spread of the lemon-chive sauce for a delicious and easy meal.
4| With Roasted Veggies: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. The roasted veggies complement the crispy chicken and add a healthy touch.
5| On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken strips over a bed of spinach or arugula for a light and refreshing meal. The greens wilt slightly from the warm chicken, making for a delightful dish.
6| With Sweet Potato Fries: The crispy chicken and tangy sauce go great with homemade sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the fries contrasts nicely with the lemon-chive sauce.
7| As an Appetizer: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized appetizers at parties or gatherings. The lemon-chive sauce makes a perfect dipping option.
8| With Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting meal, pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich and smooth potatoes balance out the crispy chicken and tangy sauce.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Try my Healthy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet recipe.
Some storage suggestions
Here are some handy storage options for your Baked Chicken with Lemon-Chive Sauce:
Refrigeration:
- Chicken: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To keep them crispy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
- Sauce: Keep the lemon-chive sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for about 4-5 days. The sauce may thicken over time, so give it a good stir before using.
Freezing:
- Chicken: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken strips. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispiness.
- Sauce: You can also freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container. It’s best used within 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving.
Reheating:
- Chicken: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help regain its crispiness. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back.
- Sauce: Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly.
Meal Prep:
- Chicken: If you’re prepping meals in advance, store individual portions of chicken strips in meal prep containers. This way, you can easily grab and go during the week.
- Sauce: Portion the sauce into small containers if you’re preparing multiple meals. This makes it easy to add just the right amount to each serving.
These storage tips will help keep your meal fresh and tasty for days to come!
Try my other chicken recipes, here.
And there you have it—crispy baked chicken strips with a lemon-chive sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. This one’s a keeper, folks! Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or impressing someone special, you’re gonna love how easy and tasty this recipe is. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking! 😋
Glycemic Index: 64 (Moderate) Glycemic Load: 22 (High)
Recipe Card
Baked Chicken with Lemon-Chive Sauce
Need a simple and delicious meal? Try these golden baked chicken strips with a tangy lemon-chive dip! 🍗✨ Ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the chicken
For the sauce
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
-
Step 2:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
-
Step 3:
Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk together with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
-
Step 4:
First cover chicken into the flour, then into the egg and spice mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs.
-
Step 5:
Place the chicken onto the baking sheet and drizzle over the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake the chicken for 7 minutes.
-
Step 6:
Remove from the oven and flip the chicken pieces over and bake for a further 10 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
-
Step 7:
Meanwhile, place the chives, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and 1⁄2 of the lemon zest into a bowl, season with salt and pepper and whisk to combine
-
Step 8:
Serve the chicken immediately, with the lemon-chive dipping sauce.
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 555kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Total Carbohydrate 39g13%
- Protein 48g96%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
