If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, look no further than Lemon Pepper Chicken. This stunning chicken recipe bursts with zesty citrus, bold black pepper, and a hint of garlic savor—a perfect weeknight dinner with show-stopping freshness. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, the combination of juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and aromatic herbs is an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share with family and friends time and again.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemon Pepper Chicken comes from simple pantry staples that combine to create an unforgettable meal. Every ingredient plays a special role, from infusing brightness to adding a punchy bite of flavor.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and perfectly protein-packed for the juiciest results.
Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a touch of richness without overpowering flavors.
Lemon zest: The outer peel lends concentrated citrus fragrance for that irresistible lemony kick.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens every bite and tenderizes the chicken.
Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for authentic lemon pepper flavor and a subtle heat.
Garlic powder: Brings aromatic depth and a warm, savory note to the marinade.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile and adds a gentle sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the zesty and savory notes, ensuring the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a pop of color and a burst of herby freshness.
Lemon slices for garnish: Beautiful and aromatic, they signal what flavors are at play!

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re uneven in thickness, give them a gentle pounding until each is about the same size—this guarantees even cooking and juicy results for your Lemon Pepper Chicken.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This zippy marinade will be the key to locking in that crave-worthy lemon pepper flavor.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Rub the marinade all over both sides of each chicken breast. Let the coated chicken sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or for a stronger flavor, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it rests, the bolder those citrus and pepper notes will shine through.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little extra olive oil if your skillet appears dry. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the pan, spacing them apart, and cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 165°F—nothing beats perfectly cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Move the cooked chicken to a clean plate and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. Before serving, shower the chicken with chopped fresh parsley and tuck some lemon slices alongside for a gorgeous, mouthwatering finish.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley and vibrant lemon slices adds freshness and color, instantly elevating your Lemon Pepper Chicken from simple skillet meal to restaurant-quality entrée. For a special touch, try a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few shavings of lemon zest just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully versatile. Pair your Lemon Pepper Chicken with fluffy rice, tender roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to soak up every drop of zesty sauce. Garlic mashed potatoes or herbed quinoa also complement the bright, peppery flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Thinly slice the chicken and serve it atop a leafy green salad for a quick lunch, or tuck it into a warm pita with tzatziki, cucumber, and tomato for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Chopped leftovers are fantastic in grain bowls, pastas, or cozy wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal in as much moisture as possible to keep it tender—wrap the chicken tightly or add a splash of extra lemon juice before chilling.

Freezing

Lemon Pepper Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place the cooled chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. Be sure to label and date it so you can grab it whenever a quick, flavorful dinner beckons.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, just until warmed through. Microwave on low in short bursts for convenience. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and yield an even juicier bite. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may require a couple more minutes per side.

Is it possible to grill Lemon Pepper Chicken?

Yes! Fire up your grill and cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side. You’ll get gorgeous grill marks and an extra hint of smoky flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Bottled lemon juice can stand in, and a very small amount of dried lemon peel can be used for zest in a pinch. Fresh lemons do deliver the brightest taste, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this dish!

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. The juices should also run clear, and the chicken will feel firm to the touch.

Can I make Lemon Pepper Chicken ahead of time for meal prep?

Certainly! Let the chicken cool after cooking, then store as directed for quick lunches or dinners all week. It pairs well with a variety of grains and veggies for easy meal-prep bowls.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the tangy, peppery flavor of Lemon Pepper Chicken that ensures it never goes out of style. I hope you’ll give it a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how vibrant it tastes. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 22 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic black pepper, and savory garlic creates a delicious marinade for the chicken breasts. Serve this dish with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to an even thickness if needed.
Make the Marinade: Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil if needed and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Serve: Enjoy your Lemon Pepper Chicken hot with your choice of sides.