If you’re on the lookout for a meal that’s bold, bright, and irresistibly simple, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe needs to be at the top of your to-cook list! Imagine fork-tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, infused with zesty lemon and a peppery kick that wakes up every taste bud. This is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for when dinner has to be both quick and crowd-pleasing—whether it’s a weeknight family affair or you’re hosting friends for a cozy meal. Each bite delivers a citrusy freshness that just sings alongside the savory spices, making this dish a fresh favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe keeps things refreshingly uncomplicated—just a handful of staple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and a pop of color. Each element matters, and even a small splash of lemon or a shake of black pepper makes a noticeable difference in the end result.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, tender, and the perfect canvas for bright flavors.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps achieve that beautiful golden crust while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
- Lemon Zest: The fragrant peel gives an intense, aromatic citrus note that’s the secret to this dish’s sunshine-y flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the chicken with classic tang and balances the savory spices.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential! It adds a vibrant heat and, together with lemon, creates the crave-worthy signature taste.
- Garlic Powder: For mellow warmth that complements the lemon and pepper without overpowering them.
- Onion Powder: A gentle sharpness that underlines all those fresh, bold flavors.
- Salt: Brings every element into focus and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned throughout.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on at the end, parsley adds a burst of color and a final touch of herby freshness.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This little step is crucial—it helps the lemon pepper seasoning stick beautifully and encourages that ideal golden sear. If you want extra juicy results, pound each breast to an even thickness; it helps cook evenly and keeps things extra tender.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Give this citrusy, pepper-laced mixture a quick stir. It should smell fabulous already—the fresh lemon hits you the minute the zest and juice mix with the spices!
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—make sure every inch is coated so every bite bursts with lemon and pepper flavor. Let it sit for a minute or two to let those flavors start working their magic.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, gently lay in your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side; you’re looking for a gorgeous golden crust and a juicy center. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you prefer grilling, this recipe adapts beautifully—just fire up the grill and cook over medium for equally tasty results.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Take the skillet off the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This simple wait makes a big difference, keeping every bite moist. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish, if you like, and get ready to plate up.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley, extra lemon wedges, or even a light drizzle of olive oil. These garnishes elevate the look and add that last bit of sparkle to both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs so well with almost anything. Try fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant green salad. Roasted veggies or crisp asparagus make fantastic, colorful sides that soak up every drop of sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and tuck it into wraps or pita pockets with greens and tzatziki for a casual lunch. Or layer it on top of pasta tossed with a little olive oil and extra lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe tasting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked and cooled chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap each breast in parchment, then store in a freezer bag to reduce freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in short bursts until warmed through, or gently reheat in a skillet with a little splash of chicken broth to preserve juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a richer flavor and stay extra moist. Just adjust the cooking time: boneless thighs usually need a couple more minutes per side than breasts.
Is bottled lemon juice okay if I don’t have fresh?
Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor for this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, but bottled will work in a pinch. If possible, combine it with a little lemon zest to boost that citrusy punch.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps, as does avoiding overcooking. Letting the chicken rest before slicing also keeps all the juices locked in for extra succulence.
Can I bake this recipe instead of pan-searing?
Yes! Bake the seasoned chicken breasts at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, or until they reach 165°F inside. You’ll still get loads of flavor and a bit less hands-on time.
What are ways to make this spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix, or sprinkle in a bit of red pepper flakes before cooking. Either will kick your Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe up a notch!
Final Thoughts
It’s time to bring big, sunshiny flavor to your kitchen with this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe! Whether you serve it for a speedy weeknight dinner or a cheerful weekend lunch, this zesty classic always impresses. Give it a try—you’re in for a dish that’s simple, flavorful, and bound to become a regular in your rotation.
Print
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon and aromatic pepper create a delicious seasoning for the tender chicken breasts, making this a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts until they are dry.
- Mix seasoning: In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Season chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from heat, let rest, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with side dishes.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- This recipe also works well on the grill or baked at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
