If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh, zesty, and downright irresistible, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. There’s something magical about the way bright lemon pairs with a bold hit of black pepper, turning simple chicken into a weeknight star that’s both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, you’ll find that this dish delivers big flavor with just a handful of ingredients and hardly any fuss in the kitchen.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is how streamlined the ingredient list is. Each one has a job to do—bringing in zest, juiciness, tenderness, and a punch of savory goodness. Here’s what you need, plus a tip for what each adds to the party:

Chicken: Four boneless, skinless breasts (or thighs) bring juicy, protein-packed richness that soaks up all the flavors.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps brown the chicken beautifully in the pan, while lending subtle depth.
Lemon zest: Delivers aromatic citrus notes that wake up all the other ingredients.
Lemon juice: Infuses the chicken with tangy brightness and helps tenderize.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a bold kick that balances the lemon perfectly.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient, ensuring none of the flavors get lost.
Garlic powder: Brings mellow, savory flavor that rounds things out beautifully.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth for a well-rounded marinade.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green that makes the final dish look as lively as it tastes.
Lemon slices (for garnish): A pop of color and an extra hint of citrus at the table.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pat

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures the outside of the meat will sear nicely, giving you that golden, delicious crust. Drier chicken equals better caramelization in the pan—so don’t skip this quick step!

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mixing these together beforehand means each piece of chicken gets an even coating of flavor throughout. The aroma from the zest and pepper alone will have you eager for dinner.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure every nook is covered. Even just a 15-minute rest makes a difference, but if you have up to 2 hours, the flavors become even more robust as they sink in. If you’re planning ahead, pop the marinated chicken in the fridge to chill out and soak up the greatness.

Step 4: Sauté to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color—if the pan gets too hot, turn the heat down slightly so the chicken finishes cooking without the outside burning. When the internal temp hits 165°F, you’re done!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Transfer the chicken from the pan to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays juicy. Then, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and slices of lemon for a fresh, vibrant look (and a little more zing if you squeeze the lemon at the table).

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you let your creativity shine. A shower of freshly chopped parsley and a couple of thin lemon rounds give not only a restaurant-quality finish but intensify the citrus lift. Try a crack of extra black pepper over the top right before serving for an aromatic boost.

Side Dishes

This lemon pepper chicken recipe goes wonderfully with all kinds of sides. Swap it up with seasoned rice, a crisp green salad, or simple roasted vegetables to make a meal that’s both hearty and fresh. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa pilaf are also fantastic partners that soak up all those savory juices.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to switch things up, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of arugula for a protein-packed salad, or tuck it into a wrap with greens and a dollop of Greek yogurt sauce. For tapas-style nibbles, cube the cooked chicken and skewer with veggies. The bright flavors of this lemon pepper chicken recipe make it endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lemon pepper chicken is a delicious problem to have! Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3–4 days. This makes meal prepping a breeze, and the flavors often deepen with time.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with easy dinners, this lemon pepper chicken recipe is a great candidate. Slice or leave whole, and freeze in a sealed zip-top bag or container for up to three months. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn and preserve the vibrant citrus flavor.

Reheating

For the best texture, gently reheat your chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and zap in short bursts to prevent the meat from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a terrific choice in this lemon pepper chicken recipe—they turn out especially juicy and rich, and the flavors shine just as brightly. Simply follow the same instructions and enjoy the slightly different texture.

How can I tell if my chicken is cooked through?

The easiest and safest way is to use a meat thermometer; your chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest section to check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Definitely! Mix the marinade up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. You can even marinate the chicken overnight if you want an especially bold punch of flavor when you cook it the next day.

Is this lemon pepper chicken recipe good for meal prep?

It’s perfect for meal prep! Make a batch on Sunday and use leftovers for salads, wraps, or quick lunches all week long. The chicken stays tender and tastes fantastic cold or reheated.

Can I bake or grill the chicken instead of sautéing?

Yes—you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, or grill it over medium heat, flipping halfway through. Both methods deliver juicy, flavorful results while letting you adapt the lemon pepper chicken recipe to whatever cooking method you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to add this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe to your regular rotation. Its winning blend of lively citrus, robust pepper, and satisfying simplicity is sure to please everyone at your table—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner. Give it a try, and let those fresh flavors make dinner unforgettable!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for any night of the week. The combination of zesty lemon, bold pepper, and aromatic garlic makes this dish a standout. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Marinade:

zest of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lemon
1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Make the Marinade: Mix lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Rub the marinade over the chicken.
Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest, then garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.