Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe That Wows Every Time

Ready to spice up your weeknight lemon pepper chicken breast with a zesty twist that’ll make taste buds dance?

Crisp seasonings seamlessly blend with tender poultry for an incredible meal.

Mediterranean flavors infuse each succulent bite with unexpected depth.

Home cooks can master this simple yet elegant dish in minutes.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to bookmark this delectable creation for future dinner inspirations.

What Makes Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Stand Out

• Combines zesty lemon and bold pepper seasoning to transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal ingredients and effort.
• Lean chicken breast delivers high-quality protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.
• Easily pairs with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad, allowing for endless dinner combinations that suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Guide for Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base of the dish, skin-off recommended for healthier option.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy flavor that tenderizes and enhances chicken.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Classic spice blend providing zesty and peppery notes.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the seasoning mix.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out overall flavor complexity.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden brown exterior and prevents sticking.

• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh herb for color and additional subtle flavor boost.

Cooking Lemon Pepper Chicken with Ease

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This trick helps create a perfect golden crust and locks in amazing flavors.

Step 2: Mix Magical Seasoning

• Bright lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Punchy lemon pepper seasoning
• Aromatic garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Whisk everything together until ingredients dance harmoniously.

Step 3: Massage Chicken with Flavor

Lovingly rub the seasoning mixture all over chicken breasts. Make sure every inch gets coated for maximum taste explosion.

Step 4: Sizzle and Cook

Heat skillet over medium-high flame. Drizzle olive oil into pan until it shimmers with heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into skillet.

Cook each side until golden brown and gorgeous.

Watch for internal temperature hitting 165°F (74°C)- the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Pull chicken from skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.

This allows delicious juices to redistribute throughout meat.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish.

Enjoy your flavor-packed chicken masterpiece!

Tips for Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Dry-Pat for Perfection: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to achieve a crispy exterior and better seasoning adherence.
• Zest Boost: Grate fresh lemon zest directly into the seasoning mix for an intense citrusy flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to precisely check internal chicken temperature, preventing overcooking and ensuring juicy results.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow cooked chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and succulent.
• Versatile Seasoning: Experiment with different pepper blends or add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the lemon pepper flavor profile.

Keep Lemon Pepper Chicken Fresh for Later

• Store leftover lemon pepper chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for up to 4 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Great Pairings for Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that mirrors the lemon's bright acidity, cutting through the chicken's richness while complementing its tangy pepper notes.
• Serve alongside roasted rosemary potatoes or a light quinoa salad with fresh herbs like dill and chives, which enhance the lemon pepper's vibrant flavor profile.
• Prepare a simple mixed green salad with arugula, thinly sliced cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette that echoes the chicken's citrusy undertones and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Mix a sparkling water with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint, offering a non-alcoholic drink that cleanses the palate and matches the recipe's zesty character.

Mix Up Your Lemon Pepper Chicken Routine

• Herb-Crusted Variation: Replace lemon pepper seasoning with a blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken breast.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Swap out salt and lemon pepper seasoning with fresh herbs like basil and chives, using a sodium-free herb blend to reduce salt intake.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use ghee instead of olive oil, add extra garlic powder, and sprinkle almond flour for a crispy exterior while keeping the recipe low-carb and high-fat friendly.

Lemon Pepper Chicken FAQs

• What makes lemon pepper seasoning special?

Lemon pepper seasoning combines tangy lemon zest with cracked black pepper, creating a bright, zesty flavor that enhances the chicken’s natural taste without overwhelming it.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs are usually thicker than breasts.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear when you cut into it.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

This dish is protein-rich, low in carbs, and uses minimal oil, making it a nutritious option for those watching their diet. The lemon adds vitamin C and helps boost the meal’s nutritional profile.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper chicken breast brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. Quick and simple seasonings elevate this classic protein, delivering bold flavors that satisfy hungry palates while promising restaurant-quality results you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Seasoning Blend:

• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly desiccate chicken breasts using a clean paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, promoting optimal caramelization and flavor adherence.
2. Create a vibrant seasoning blend by whisking together zesty lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, aromatic lemon pepper seasoning, pungent garlic powder, and a delicate salt sprinkle until uniformly combined.
3. Meticulously massage the aromatic seasoning mixture across every surface of the chicken breasts, ensuring comprehensive and even coating.
4. Warm a skillet over robust medium-high heat, introducing a drizzle of olive oil to generate a sizzling cooking environment.
5. Carefully position seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown exterior through strategic cooking.
6. Monitor chicken’s transformation, rotating midway and maintaining precise cooking duration of approximately 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C).
7. Extract chicken from skillet and permit a brief resting period, allowing internal juices to redistribute and preserve succulent texture.
8. Optionally embellish with vibrant freshly chopped parsley, introducing a verdant visual accent and complementary herbal essence to the finished dish.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in maximum flavor.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus taste that elevates the entire dish’s profile.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety without overcooking, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow natural juices to redistribute, preventing dry meat and maintaining optimal moisture and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg