Lemon Pepper Chicken is a vibrant, lemony dish that you can make in less than 30 minutes. It's made with boneless chicken, seasoned with homemade lemon pepper and cooked in a savory sauce. This dish is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve it with rice, pasta, salad, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
What You’ll Find On This Page
If you often find yourself tired at the end of the day, not wanting to spend much time in the kitchen, this recipe is a great choice. It uses simple ingredients to create a meal that's both delicious and vibrant.
I love the bright citrus flavor and the gentle spice of the pepper. Plus, the chicken breast adds a good source of protein, supporting your body's overall health. If you're looking for a refreshing, tasty, and straightforward dish, Lemon Pepper Chicken should definitely be on your menu.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients for this Lemon Pepper Chicken are likely already in your pantry, making it easy to get started. Let's check out what you'll need below.
- Boneless Chicken: I usually use thinly sliced boneless chicken breast for its quick cooking time. You can also use whole chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. Just remember to slice and pound whole breasts for even and speedy cooking.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The star ingredient! My homemade blend brings out the best lemony-peppery flavors, but a good-quality store-bought seasoning works great too.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and creates a lovely crispy sear when pan-fried.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory notes of your sauce. Feel free to substitute with vegetable broth or diluted chicken bouillon in warm water if needed.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is my go-to for making the sauce, but crushed or paste forms are equally effective for that warm garlicky flavor.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: The juice adds a refreshing tartness to the sauce, while the zest can be used as a garnish for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
- Fats: I use both olive oil and unsalted butter for a rich base. Choose one based on your preference. Avoid salted butter to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley before serving not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken at Home?
Let's make an easy and flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken together! I'll show you how to season, flour coat, pan-fry the chicken breast, and simmer it in a flavorful sauce to create a perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken. Each step is supported with photos and a helpful video to make the cooking process easier. Let's get started!
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Lemon Pepper Chicken
Learn how to make juicy and flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken in just under 30 minutes! Featuring homemade lemon pepper seasoning and a savory sauce, this dish is an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner. Serve it with pasta, rice, or your favorite roasted veggies for a truly satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
For Seasoning and Flour Coating Chicken
- 1.5 lb Boneless Chicken Breast, thinly sliced
- 1½ tbsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 6 tbsp All Purpose Flour
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil, for pan-frying chicken
- 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
For Garnishing
- Lemon Zest, from one lemon
- Parsley Leaves, chopped
Instructions
Seasoning Chicken Breast
- Place the thinly sliced chicken breast on a plate or tray. Drizzle with olive oil, and make sure to rub it evenly on both sides. Then, generously sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning over the chicken, rubbing it in well to coat each side. This helps the seasoning adhere better and boosts the flavor when cooked.
Flour Coating Chicken
- Spread all-purpose flour evenly in a shallow tray. Coat the seasoned chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it's fully covered, then gently shake off any excess. This flour coating helps to create a crispy exterior when the chicken is pan-fried. Now, your chicken is ready for the pan.
Pan Frying Chicken
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts without overcrowding. This ensures each piece sears nicely, avoiding the steaming that happens when the pan is too full.
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it's fully cooked and has a golden brown exterior. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. To keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, cover it with aluminum foil while it rests.
Making Lemon Pepper Chicken
- In the same pan, add butter to the remaining oil and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic.
- Once the garlic is aromatic, add the lemon juice and chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil to blend the flavors, creating a savory sauce for the chicken.
- Add the pan-fried chicken breasts back to the sauce, and simmer. Occasionally drizzle the sauce over the chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- When the sauce has thickened, garnish with lemon zest and parsley leaves to enhance the dish with a fresh aroma and vibrant color. Remove from heat. Your delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken is now ready to be served.
Serving
- Enjoy this flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken with pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetable sides. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some essential tips to perfect your Lemon Pepper Chicken every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The distinctive flavors of Lemon Pepper Chicken come from fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic. For the best taste, make sure these ingredients are as fresh as possible.
- Marinating Time: If time allows, marinate the chicken with the lemon pepper seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply into the chicken, making it even more flavorful.
- Chicken Internal Temperature: Safety first! Always ensure your chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F, which is the FDA’s recommended safe temperature for poultry.
- Adjust Seasoning: This recipe keeps seasonings simple to enhance the natural flavors. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne after sautéing the garlic, then simmer with the broth and lemon juice.
- Salt Check: I haven’t added extra salt to this recipe because my homemade lemon pepper seasoning and chicken broth usually provide enough seasoning. However, always taste your dish and adjust the saltiness according to your preference if needed.
- Resting the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices within the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and tender.
- Handling Leftover Flour: To minimize waste, start with less flour. If you still have leftovers, safely discard any flour used for coating raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination. You can use the remaining flour for thickening sauces during the same cooking session but do not reuse or store it for later use.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 697mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 239IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Looking for more meal ideas? Check out our chicken dinner recipes featuring chicken breast, thighs, one-pot meals, and under-30-minute dishes. Whether you need a quick or an elaborate meal, we have delicious options for every occasion.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this Lemon Pepper Chicken with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Below are some of my favorite pairings that complement the flavors of this dish beautifully.
- Pasta Dishes: Pair this dish with your favorite pasta tossed in a simple garlic butter sauce for a flavorful meal. Options like garlic parmesan pasta, orzo, or white sauce pasta also pair beautifully, adding a touch of creamy goodness.
- Rice Dishes: Complement your chicken with a side of basmati, jasmine, white, brown, black or wild rice. These varieties add a satisfying starch option to your meal.
- Potato Dishes: Mashed, roasted, or baked potatoes make fulfilling and hearty sides that are perfect for pairing with the rich flavors of Lemon Pepper Chicken.
- Vegetable Sides: Choose from healthy and nutritious options like roasted asparagus, broccoli, and green beans. Steamed broccoli is also a great choice to pair with Lemon Pepper Chicken.
- Salads: Lighten your meal with a refreshing salad. Simple greens, pasta salad, or a Caesar salad are excellent choices, particularly during the summer months.
- Quinoa or Couscous: These are great gluten-free alternatives to rice and pasta. Quinoa offers a nutty flavor and a protein boost, while couscous cooks quickly and is wonderfully light and fluffy.
- Sautéed Spinach or Kale: These greens cook quickly and are packed with nutrients and goes well with lemon pepper chicken.
- Risotto: A creamy Parmesan or lemon risotto can be a delicious addition to your meal, perfectly echoing the lemony flavor of your chicken.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend serving Lemon Pepper Chicken fresh to best enjoy its bright, lemony flavors. However, if you have leftovers, follow these simple tips to keep them tasting great:
- In the Fridge: Store the chicken in a clean, airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cool the chicken to room temperature and divide it into individual portions. Place these in freezer-friendly bags, pressing out all the air before sealing. Properly stored, the chicken will stay fresh for up to a month. Don’t forget to label the bags with the storage date and a best-by date to track freshness.
- Reheating: To enjoy your leftovers, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until evenly warmed through. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to restore its saucy texture.
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