Craving a quick, flavorful chicken dish that'll impress your family? This lemon pepper chicken breast is your answer! Packed with bright citrus notes and a perfectly seasoned crust, these chicken breasts come together in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe promises juicy, tender chicken with a mouthwatering lemon pepper kick.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
This lemon pepper chicken breast isn't just another bland protein – it's a flavor explosion that's both simple to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of zesty lemon and bold black pepper creates a classic seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is versatile and foolproof.
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Ingredients
the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Substitution Options
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender cut
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking
- Swap fresh lemon juice with bottled for convenience
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior
- Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness
- This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry edges
Season the Chicken
- Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil
- Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly
- Gently massage seasonings into the meat
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb flavors
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken breasts, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices
Pro Cooking Tips
- Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor
- Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning
- Let chicken rest to keep it juicy and tender
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free recipe
- Low-carb: Perfect for keto and low-carb diets
- Dairy-free: Contains no dairy ingredients
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Pair with roasted vegetables
- Excellent with a side salad or quinoa
- Works great in meal prep containers
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
- Consume within 3-4 days
- Reheat gently in microwave or skillet to prevent drying out
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
Equipment For Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
FAQ
You can use lemon both before and after cooking for maximum flavor. Marinate chicken in lemon juice for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to tenderize and add flavor. Adding fresh lemon juice after cooking provides a bright, fresh taste. However, don't marinate longer than 2 hours as the acid can start to break down the meat too much.
Traditional lemon pepper sauce combines butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic, and seasonings. Some variations include:
Heavy cream for richness
White wine for depth
Chicken broth for extra flavor
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme The sauce should have a perfect balance of tangy lemon and spicy black pepper notes.
The keys to juicy chicken breast include:
Brine or marinate before cooking
Bring to room temperature before cooking
Don't overcook (use a meat thermometer)
Let rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking
Pound to even thickness
Cook at the right temperature (375°F)
Use an instant-read thermometer to reach 165°F
Rubbing lemon on chicken serves multiple purposes:
Tenderizes the meat through natural acids
Adds bright, citrus flavor
Helps other seasonings adhere better
Creates better browning when cooking
Acts as a natural antibacterial agent
Helps create a more flavorful exterior
Share Your Lemon Pepper Chicken Success! 🍋
How did your Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its juicy, tender chicken and bright citrus notes, perfectly balanced with fresh-cracked black pepper and aromatic herbs. If you're a fan of quick, flavorful chicken dishes and fresh ingredients, be sure to try our Chicken Cheese Steak Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists, like adding fresh herbs or making your own lemon pepper seasoning? Maybe you experimented with a white wine sauce or served it over pasta? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks.
Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation! We love seeing those perfectly cooked, golden-brown chicken breasts and that vibrant sauce. Everyone's lemon pepper chicken has its own special touch, and we can't wait to see yours!
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Pairing
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Substitution Options
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender cut
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking
- Swap fresh lemon juice with bottled for convenience
Equipment
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior
- Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness
- This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry edges
Season the Chicken
- Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil
- Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly
- Gently massage seasonings into the meat
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb flavors
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken breasts, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices
Notes
- Best served immediately after cooking
- For extra juiciness, brine chicken for 30 minutes before cooking
- Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Adjust cooking time for different chicken thickness
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature
- Homemade lemon pepper seasoning can be used as a substitute
- Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before cooking
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