Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is a quick and easy skillet dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s a quick-prep dish with just a few ingredients you probably have on hand. All you need is chicken breasts, flour, lemon pepper, oil, garlic, butter, lemon juice, and parsley. While it may seem too simple, the garlic, butter, and lemon flavors make it a crave-worthy main dish everyone will love.

Because the chicken cooks quickly and uses ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, this dish works well for weeknight meals but is also polished enough for guests. The finished chicken has a lightly crisp exterior, a tender interior, and a balanced lemon flavor that complements rice, potatoes, and many vegetable sides.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Reliable browning. The flour and lemon pepper dredge helps the chicken take on color quickly, which improves flavor and keeps the meat tender.
• Bright but balanced seasoning. Lemon pepper adds citrus and mild heat, while the butter and garlic provide a savory base for the sauce.
• Straightforward cooking process. Browning on the stovetop and finishing in the oven ensures even cooking without constant attention.
• Adaptable to different cuts. Boneless breasts work well, but boneless thighs or cutlets follow the same method with slight adjustments to cooking time.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly—pound to even thickness for best results.
• Flour & lemon pepper: A light dredge creates a delicate crust with bold lemony flavor.
• Olive oil & butter: Used for browning and building the buttery pan sauce.
• Garlic: Just a bit brings warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh finish and color before serving.

Steps to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the chicken by patting it dry and pounding to an even thickness. Season lightly with salt.
2. Combine the flour and lemon pepper seasoning, then dredge each piece until evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
3. Brown the chicken in a hot skillet with oil, turning once the first side develops color. Remove to a plate when both sides are lightly browned.
4. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook briefly until the garlic softens, then add the lemon juice and stir to form a simple sauce.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and transfer to the oven. Bake until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Pro Tips

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness to prevent overcooking the thinner ends.
• Heat the skillet fully before adding the chicken to encourage good browning.
• Watch the garlic closely; it should soften but not brown before the lemon juice is added.
• Rest the chicken briefly after baking so the juices redistribute.
• Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer more to spoon over rice.

Recipe Variations

• Use chicken thighs. Substitute boneless, skinless thighs—they’ll be juicier and cook similarly.
• Add capers. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of capers for a piccata-inspired variation.
• Make it creamy. Finish the sauce with a splash of cream or a tablespoon of sour cream for richness.
• Spice it up. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for subtle heat.

What to Serve With Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Rice: Hot cooked rice complements the chicken and will soak up the buttery lemon pepper juices.
• Pasta: A light pasta, such as roasted garlic pasta or cacio e pepe, can be a nice accompaniment.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted root vegetables or Brussels sprouts as a side dish.
• Salad: Serve a refreshing salad with Italian dressing or light vinaigrette alongside the chicken.
• Bread: Crusty bread or rolls or freshly baked focaccia can be a great addition to soak up any extra juices.

How to Store

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately if possible.
• Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Diana Rattray

Quick and flavorful, lemon pepper chicken is perfect for busy weeknight meals and elegant enough for a dinner party.

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Servings 4 servings

Calories 356

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Course 30-Minute Meals, Chicken Breasts

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 5 teaspoons lemon pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh chopped

Instructions

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• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• Prepare and Dredge the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If necessary, pound them between sheets of plastic wrap until they are all uniform in thickness. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Combine the flour and lemon pepper, and dredge the chicken breasts in the mixture, coating thoroughly.
  
• Brown the Chicken: Heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  
• Make the Sauce: Add the butter to the same pan and heat over medium. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice, then return the chicken to the pan. Top with the lemon slices.
  
• Bake: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake the chicken for about 10 minutes or until cooked through (165°F) and the lemon slices are lightly browned.
  
• Serve: Serve the chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
  

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 38gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 695mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 324IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword 30 minute meals, chicken breasts, easy meals, lemon pepper chicken

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