Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken with Silky Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken breasts shine when seasoned with bold lemon pepper seasoning, creating a mouthwatering dish that delights every palate.

The zesty blend of citrus and spice transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken emerges from the skillet with a golden, crispy exterior that seals in rich flavors.

Drizzled with a silky, creamy sauce, this recipe elevates weeknight dinners to restaurant-quality heights.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of bright, tangy notes and smooth, velvety richness.

You’ll savor every morsel of this restaurant-inspired masterpiece that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Prepare to impress with this simple yet sophisticated chicken recipe that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken: What Goes In

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for optimal texture and even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior while adding subtle richness and preventing sticking.

• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and balances overall taste profile.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Zesty, tangy spice mix that brings bright, piquant notes to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic undertones and complements the lemon pepper's vibrant character.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with rich, smooth consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps thin sauce to perfect pouring texture.
• Butter: Adds velvety richness and helps thicken sauce while bringing subtle nutty undertones.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, citrusy accent that cuts through cream's heaviness.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh, herbaceous garnish with clean, green flavor profile.

Tools for Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce

• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precisely slicing chicken breasts.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safe chicken preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate tool for seasoning ingredients.
• Large Skillet: Wide pan for searing and cooking chicken evenly.
• Tongs: Metal utensil for flipping and handling chicken safely.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing sauce or holding seasoned chicken.
• Paper Towels: Helpful for patting chicken dry before cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Lemon Pepper Chicken with Sauce

• Prepare Chicken

Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they are thick, ensuring an even thickness for consistent cooking. Use a sharp knife and steady hand to create uniform pieces that will cook evenly.

• Season Generously

Coat each chicken piece with a beautiful blend of salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Press the seasonings gently into the meat to help them adhere and create a delicious flavor profile.

• Heat Cooking Surface

Warm a skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of olive oil. Wait until the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately when it touches the surface.

• Cook Chicken

Place seasoned chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to the same skillet. Stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the sauce’s flavor.

• Finish and Serve

Let the chicken rest in the creamy sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Tips to Elevate Lemon Pepper Chicken Flavor

• Perfect Thickness Hack: Butterfly or pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Sauce Rescue Tip: If your cream sauce breaks or becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of chicken broth to restore smooth consistency and ideal texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy characteristics.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken in lemon pepper seasoning overnight to intensify flavor profiles and tenderize the meat before cooking for extra juiciness.
• Low-Carb Twist: Skip traditional flour dredging and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a crispy coating that keeps the dish keto-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken with Style

• Zesty Plate Presentation: Arrange golden-brown chicken slices on a white ceramic platter, drizzling the creamy sauce in elegant zigzag patterns for a restaurant-style look.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the chicken to add vibrant color and a burst of herbal freshness that complements the lemon pepper flavor.
• Complementary Side Suggestions: Pair the chicken with fluffy white rice, roasted asparagus, or a light mixed green salad to balance the rich, creamy sauce and create a complete meal experience.
• Texture Contrast Boost: Top the chicken with toasted sliced almonds or crispy breadcrumbs for an unexpected crunch that elevates the dish's overall texture and adds gourmet flair.

Save and Store Lemon Pepper Chicken Perfectly

• Refrigerator Stashing: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and easy meal prep.
• Freezer Hero: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to keep fresh for 2-3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Sauce Smart Storage: Keep the creamy sauce separately in a sealed container, refrigerated for 3-4 days, to maintain its smooth consistency and prevent separation.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, preventing dryness and keeping the meat tender and delicious.

Tangy Lemon Pepper Chicken With Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering easy lemon pepper chicken with creamy sauce delivers zesty Mediterranean flavors that dance across palates. Home chefs can elevate weeknight dinners with this simple yet elegant culinary creation you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tsps lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsps)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Butterfly chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets to promote uniform cooking and thorough seasoning absorption.
2. Season Chicken: Massage a blend of salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder into the meat, ensuring complete flavor coverage and deep spice penetration.
3. Sear Protein: Heat skillet to medium-high and add a light coating of cooking oil. Place seasoned cutlets into the pan, creating a golden-brown crust without moving for 4-5 minutes.
4. Cook Through: Reduce heat slightly and flip chicken, continuing to cook until both sides achieve a crisp, caramelized exterior and internal temperature reaches safe doneness.
5. Create Sauce: Without cleaning the skillet, introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk vigorously to incorporate pan drippings and develop a rich, velvety sauce.
6. Finish Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the creamy lemon pepper sauce. Simmer briefly to meld flavors and ensure complete sauce coverage.
7. Plate and Garnish: Transfer chicken to serving plates, drizzling remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives for a bright, aromatic final touch.

Notes

• Butterfly with Precision: Slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating uniform thickness to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor absorption throughout the meat.
• Master the Sear: Allow skillet to reach optimal heat before adding oil, preventing chicken from sticking and ensuring a perfectly golden, crispy exterior without burning.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk sauce ingredients actively and simmer briefly to achieve desired thickness, scraping pan bits for deeper flavor complexity without over-reducing the liquid.
• Temperature Management: Monitor heat levels during cooking, reducing flame if chicken browns too quickly, preventing dry meat while maintaining a succulent, tender texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg