If there’s one dish I make again and again, it’s this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. It’s bright with citrus, perfectly seasoned, and comes together in just 30 minutes—a total weeknight hero! Every bite strikes the perfect balance: juicy chicken nestled in a punchy, buttery lemon sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need something delicious and unfussy after a long day, this recipe never disappoints. Friends and family go crazy for the zesty flavor, those golden pan-seared edges, and the pop of freshness from a shower of herbs and lemon slices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. Each component adds something special—tenderness, brightness, richness, or a pop of color—so don’t skip any if you want the dish to truly shine!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- Olive Oil: For a subtle, fruity base that helps get that irresistible golden crust.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps blend all the flavors while creating a glossy sauce.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The star seasoning—gives bright citrus notes and a peppery kick.
- Garlic Powder: For a savory, aromatic depth that enhances every layer.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every flavor in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little extra zest and spice.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for tang and brightness—you’ll taste the difference!
- Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma and leaves everyone asking for your secret ingredient.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist while forming the flavorful sauce base.
- Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh, it brings a pop of color and herby freshness.
- Lemon Slices (optional): For a stunning and inviting presentation.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Pound and Season the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap, then use the flat side of a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes the chicken extra juicy and tender. After pounding, sprinkle both sides liberally with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every inch gets seasoned for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and gets foamy, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping just once, until they’re gorgeously browned and cooked through. The combination of butter and olive oil creates a beautiful golden crust, sealing in all the juices. Move the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Pan Sauce
Without cleaning the skillet (those browned bits are liquid gold!), pour in the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it all simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, using a wooden spoon to scrape up every bit of flavor from the bottom. The sauce will smell absolutely amazing and start to thicken slightly, thanks to the reduction and the emulsified butter.
Step 4: Finish the Chicken in the Citrus Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Let them heat through for another 2 minutes, spooning that bright, luscious sauce all over each piece. This final step infuses the chicken with tangy, buttery goodness, making each bite mouthwatering and moist.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you really want to impress, top your Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe with lots of chopped parsley and a few thin lemon slices. The little pops of color make the dish look as fresh as it tastes. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy the vibrant sauce at its best!
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your platter and your palate by scattering fresh chopped parsley and artfully arranged lemon slices over the top. The green and yellow add a burst of color that makes your kitchen feel like a gourmet bistro. Plus, the lemon slices let your guests squeeze even more citrus over their meal—that’s a little extra love right there!
Side Dishes
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is a chameleon when it comes to side dishes. I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes for pure comfort, or serving it next to roasted vegetables when I want something more vibrant. Even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette lets the chicken shine and makes every bite sing.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, slice the chicken and serve it family-style on a platter, drizzled with plenty of sauce and garnished to impress. Or try tucking the sliced chicken into pita wraps with mixed greens and more lemony sauce for a zesty lunch. You can even serve leftovers cold over a salad—the flavors don’t miss a beat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe stays delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken along with any remaining sauce in an airtight container. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making for easy lunches and meal-prep wins.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container, along with the sauce. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, just watch closely so the chicken doesn’t dry out. That way, you’ll keep all the wonderful moisture and flavor locked in!
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! The Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe turns out equally delicious with bone-in thighs—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time for juicy, flavorful results.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing fresh cracked black pepper, a good pinch of lemon zest, and a touch of salt. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll hit all the right notes with that zesty-peppery zing.
How can I make this recipe creamy?
Amazing question—for a creamy sauce, simply stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end, right before serving. The sauce becomes silkier, richer, and irresistible!
Is the Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! There’s no flour or gluten-containing ingredients here. Just double-check your store-bought chicken broth and seasonings to make sure they’re gluten-free if needed.
What’s the best way to pound chicken without making a mess?
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten. This method keeps things tidy and protects your countertops!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a go-to weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant, you absolutely have to try this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. I can’t wait for you to taste the zesty sauce and see just how easy (and crowd-pleasing) this dish can be. Let me know how it turns out—sharing this recipe might just make you the weeknight dinner hero among your friends and family!
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, creating a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Pepper Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup chicken broth
For Garnish (optional):
- chopped fresh parsley
- lemon slices
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Season the chicken: Rub both sides of the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- For a creamier dish, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used with adjusted cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
