Lemon Pepper Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken with the fresh flavors of lemon and cracked pepper. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Why This Lemon Pepper Chicken Is the Best
- Zesty Lemon Flavor: The lemon adds a bright and refreshing flavor that complements the savory chicken.
- Peppery Kick: The cracked pepper adds a slight heat and depth to the dish.
- Juicy Chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Lemon Pepper Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of zesty lemon, cracked pepper, and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breasts (sliced): Provide the base protein, with thinner portions cooking quickly and evenly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coats the chicken, helping to create a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
- Dried Italian Seasoning, Coarse Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Salt: Season the chicken with herbaceous, savory, and peppery flavors, balancing the zestiness of the lemon.
- Sugar (optional): Adds a subtle hint of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.
- Unsalted Butter and Olive Oil: Add richness and moisture, helping the chicken brown while keeping it tender.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Provide a bright, tangy citrus flavor that complements the peppery seasoning and adds freshness to the dish.
- Minced Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color to the chicken.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and lemons.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the chicken just until it is done to ensure it stays moist and tender.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the lemon pepper mixture for at least 15 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Top the cooked chicken with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Enjoy it with garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With Quinoa: Serve it with quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect complement to the zesty chicken.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for a colorful and healthy plate.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Lemon Pepper Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Zesty, flavorful, and packed with protein, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Lemon Pepper Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of zesty lemon, cracked pepper, and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts 11-12 oz each, sliced horizontally to create two thinner portions from each
- 1 Teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3/4 Teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 Teaspoon sugar optional
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoon unsalted butter divided
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus 1/2 Teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, garlic powder, and sugar. Coat the chicken evenly by pressing the mixture onto both sides.
- In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan to distribute the butter-oil blend evenly, then add the chicken.
- Allow the chicken to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until the center is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5 more minutes. Near the end of cooking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet with the chicken.
- Remove from heat, then pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Turn the chicken to coat it in the lemon butter mixture.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken