If you’re searching for that perfect balance of tangy zing, peppery warmth, and melt-in-your-mouth juiciness, look no further than this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. It’s the dinner hero that never lets me down and, honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes you look forward to leftovers. A quick marinade, a lively skillet sauce, and minimal clean-up mean you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss — and plenty of happy faces around the table. Ready to bring a little citrus sunshine to your weeknight dinner?

Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe shines because of its vibrant but simple lineup of ingredients. Each item brings its own unique twist, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor, tenderness, and that unmistakable golden color.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts make for juicy, tender results and cook quickly in the skillet.
Olive oil: Infuses a fruity depth and ensures that beautiful sear on the chicken’s surface.
Unsalted butter: Adds a touch of richness, giving the sauce a silky finish.
Lemon zest: Delivers that big burst of bright, tangy citrus flavor right to the sauce.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings acidity that balances the richness of the chicken and butter.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The star blend that pops with zing and gentle heat; always opt for a high-quality mix if you can.
Garlic powder: Sneaks in savory depth that anchors the lively lemon notes.
Salt: Boosts all other flavors, so don’t skip it even if your seasoning is salted.
Black pepper: Adds an extra peppery backbone for that signature bite.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the base of the luxurious skillet sauce.
Fresh parsley: (Optional, but highly recommended!) For a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels — this step helps them develop that irresistible golden crust. Generously sprinkle both sides with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give them a gentle rub so the flavors really cling to the meat. If you want to go the extra mile, let the seasoned chicken rest for a few minutes while you prep your skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and the butter has melted, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown and the juices run clear. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F — don’t be afraid to check with a thermometer!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and keep it warm. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Scrape up every flavorful browned bit from the skillet’s bottom because that’s where all those caramelized flavors love to hide! Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to reduce and concentrate all that brightness.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon that lemony, peppery sauce generously over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about a minute, allowing everything to heat through and meld together. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra spark of green, and serve immediately while piping hot.

How to Serve Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, shower your chicken with a handful of freshly chopped parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few thin lemon slices or extra sprinkles of lemon zest over the top — visually stunning and a citrusy aroma boost with every bite.

Side Dishes

The Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. If you’re searching for something lighter, a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice is all you need to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of herbed couscous, or stacking pieces atop a mound of garlicky sautéed spinach. Individual portions plated with a drizzle of sauce and a wedge of lemon make even a weeknight dinner feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and makes fantastic meal-prep protein for salads, wraps, or bowls.

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully! Store cooled chicken and sauce together in a sealed freezer bag or container. Label and date before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

For the juiciest result, gently reheat your chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible — though it works in a pinch, skillet reheating preserves more flavor and that tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts both work well in this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in cuts take a little longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

While not required, marinating adds an extra layer of flavor to your Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. Even a quick 30-minute soak in lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings can make a delightful difference.

What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?

If you don’t have lemon pepper, make your own by combining fresh lemon zest, plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt — it’s easy, fresh, and just as good!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for extra olive oil or a favorite plant-based substitute. You’ll still get loads of flavor and that lovely pan sauce.

Does this recipe work with other proteins?

Definitely! Try this same lemon pepper technique with boneless pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even white fish fillets for a bright twist on dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a quick and utterly satisfying meal, this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is ready to become your new favorite. Don’t be surprised if your guests start requesting it again and again — it’s just that crowd-pleasing. Grab your skillet and a few pantry staples, and bring this lemony, peppery wonder to life tonight!

Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a lemony, buttery sauce with a hint of garlic and pepper.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth

Garnish:

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then cook chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Sauce: Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet, simmer to reduce slightly.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and cook briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Marinate chicken for extra flavor by using lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
You can use bone-in chicken thighs, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American