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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly desiccate chicken breasts using a clean paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, promoting optimal caramelization and flavor adherence.
- 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.
- Meticulously massage the aromatic seasoning mixture across every surface of the chicken breasts, ensuring comprehensive and even coating.
- Warm a skillet over robust medium-high heat, introducing a drizzle of olive oil to generate a sizzling cooking environment.
- Carefully position seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown exterior through strategic cooking.
- 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).
- Extract chicken from skillet and permit a brief resting period, allowing internal juices to redistribute and preserve succulent texture.
- 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