Name: Sauteed Lemon Chicken Strips
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins (see note); Salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves , minced; 2 tablespoons drained capers , minced; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/3 cup lemon juice from 2 lemons; 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley

Why This Recipe Works

Sautéed chicken recipes are a popular weeknight meal because they can be prepared so quickly. We are always on the lookout for variations on the basic dish to add to our repertoire, so we developed a version using lemony chicken strips. Many supermarkets sell chicken tenders, but we like to make our own by slicing boneless, skinless breasts lengthwise into 3/4-inch strips. Patting the chicken before sautéing helped it brown— and browning improves the flavor of the chicken. Sautéing the chicken in two batches also ensured that it browned rather than steamed. Rinsing and draining the capers well before adding them to the skillet removed any of the brine they are packed in and kept the chicken strips recipe from tasting too salty.

Before You Begin

You can make your own chicken tenderloins by slicing boneless, skinless breasts lengthwise into 3/4-inch strips. Serve over egg noodles or rice pilaf.

Instructions

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Cook half of chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to platter and tent with foil; repeat with remaining oil and chicken.

Add 1 tablespoon butter, garlic, and capers to empty skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook until beginning to brown, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and lemon juice and simmer, scraping up any browned bits, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Off heat, whisk in parsley and remaining butter. Stir in browned chicken along with any accumulated juices and season with salt and pepper. Serve.