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Freshly cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts garnished with parsley and served in a skillet with lemon slices, showcasing a golden, juicy, and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner recipe.

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

Zesty lemon pepper chicken breast: a 30-minute, flavorful dish seasoned with lemon, pepper, and olive oil, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon pepper chicken breast
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4 chicken breasts
Calories: 220kcal
Cost: $13

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
 

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 320mg