Bring fresh, zesty flavors to your dinner table with this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, a go-to chicken dish that strikes the perfect balance between tangy citrus and bold pepper. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a bright, versatile main you’ll crave all week, blending juicy chicken with sunny lemon and a punch of cracked black pepper for that craveable depth. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering, golden chicken with a delightful pop of color and taste—each bite as satisfying as the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is built on a handful of simple, hardworking staples that create layers of flavor and ensure tender, juicy chicken every time. Each ingredient truly earns its spot, bringing freshness, aroma, or that all-important seasoning to the table.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the juicy, protein-rich base of this recipe.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, prevents sticking, and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Lemon zest: Provides an aromatic, slightly bitter brightness that defines this dish.
- Fresh lemon juice: Infuses the chicken with lively, tangy flavor and extra tenderness.
- Cracked black pepper: Delivers a punchy, slightly floral heat that’s essential for classic lemon pepper flavor.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors with warm, savory depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle complexity and a mellow, earthy flavor that melds beautifully with the lemon and pepper.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors to life and ensures the chicken is properly seasoned.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a pop of green and herbal freshness if you want to finish with a flourish.
- Lemon slices for garnish: An easy way to maximize lemony aroma and add visual appeal when serving.
How to Make Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Breasts
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the seasoning stick and ensures the chicken sears up with a gorgeous golden crust in the pan, instead of steaming.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This fragrant mixture is the real secret behind the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, coating every bite with mouthwatering tang and peppery kick.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Rub your vibrant lemon pepper seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Press it in gently with your hands so that every nook takes on those bold, aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear each side for 6 to 7 minutes, letting the edges caramelize until golden and the interior is cooked through (reaching 165°F or 74°C). Resist the urge to move them too much—steady heat means juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 5: Rest and Finish
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial pause locks in the juices, ensuring every cut is moist and tender. For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and garnish with lemon slices for that extra zing and a burst of color.
How to Serve Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your platter with a shower of fresh parsley and a few sunshine-bright lemon slices right before serving. These garnishes add color, freshness, and a hit of citrus aroma that really brings the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe to life at the table.
Side Dishes
This vibrant chicken pairs beautifully with light, fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Each option soaks up the lemony juices and complements the peppery bite in its own way. For a heartier plate, try a side of buttery mashed potatoes or herby quinoa.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your chicken on a diagonal for an elegant presentation, and fan the pieces out over a bed of greens, grains, or roasted veggies. For a fun touch, serve individual portions garnished with microgreens and extra cracked pepper, or layer slices on toasted ciabatta with arugula for a zesty chicken sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken cools to room temperature before packing it up to preserve its juicy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts from this recipe for up to 2 months. Wrap each cooled breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag to help maintain flavor and prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can dry out the meat—just a minute or two is usually enough for individual servings.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, bringing a richer flavor and a bit more tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer depending on their size.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is a meal-prep champion since it’s easy to make ahead, keeps well, and can be added cold to salads or wraps for quick lunches throughout the week.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
If fresh lemons are unavailable, you can substitute bottled lemon juice and a touch of dried lemon zest (or skip the zest). Winter months might make this swap necessary, but fresh is best whenever possible for that extra bright flavor.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes! Grilling the chicken brings a slightly smoky flavor that complements the lemon and pepper perfectly. Simply cook over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, following the rest of the recipe as written.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
For safety, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer for the most reliable results, and remember the juices should run clear when the chicken is sliced.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does mine! With bold flavor and sunshiny appeal, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress without any stress. Give it a try, and let yourself savor every zesty, peppery bite—it might just become your new signature dinner.
Print
Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of zesty lemon, bold black pepper, and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering seasoning for juicy chicken breasts. Serve with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken: Mix together lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Rub the seasoning over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from pan, let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon slices.
Notes
- For more flavor, marinate chicken in the seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can also grill the chicken for a different cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
