Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With a bright citrusy taste balanced by savory spices, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare. Serve it with your favorite sides for a wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and flavorful – Uses simple ingredients to create a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Versatile – Serve with salads, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Meal prep friendly – Stores and reheats well for later meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Salt
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken – Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and lemon zest.
- Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add lemon flavor – Reduce heat and add butter and lemon juice. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it cook for another minute.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herb-infused – Add thyme or rosemary for extra depth of flavor.
- Grilled version – Cook on a grill for a smoky touch.
- Dairy-free – Use vegan butter or omit it altogether.
- Low-sodium – Reduce or omit salt and rely on lemon and herbs for flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or lemon juice.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer. Cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
What sides go well with lemon pepper chicken?
Roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad pair well.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
It is already keto-friendly! Just pair with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or greens.
Can I use pre-made lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes, but adjust salt levels as store-bought seasoning may contain added sodium.
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?
Marinate in lemon juice, olive oil, and spices for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Use a well-heated, non-stick skillet and ensure enough oil is in the pan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! It contains no gluten ingredients.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether pan-fried, grilled, or baked, it delivers a refreshing citrusy flavor with a peppery kick. Try this simple recipe today and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dish!
Print
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Lemon Pepper Chicken features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty lemon-pepper blend, pan-seared to perfection, and topped with a buttery lemon-garlic sauce. It’s a delightful dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. This ensures quicker and more even cooking.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken cutlet, pressing gently to adhere.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer together for an additional minute to meld the flavors. Sprinkle with lemon zest and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- Adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning based on your taste preference, especially if your seasoning blend contains salt.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
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