Craving a quick, flavorful chicken dish that'll impress your family? This lemon pepper chicken breast recipe 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 Recipe
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
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
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
FAQ For : Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Yes! Adjust cooking time to 3-4 minutes per side due to smaller size.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix.
Commercial blends vary, so taste and adjust salt accordingly
This lemon pepper chicken breast recipe proves that delicious dinners don't have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Give it a try and watch your family's faces light up at dinnertime!
Love this lemon pepper chicken? Our Easy Chicken Tacos are another 30-minute meal sensation!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
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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