Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Are you looking for a quick and tasty chicken dish? The¹ easy Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is ready in just 30 minutes². It’s made with juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty lemon and black pepper mix. This makes a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant, perfect for any weeknight.

This dish has a high¹ 4.95 out of 5 rating from 73 votes. It’s also very affordable¹. The ingredients, like 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts ($6.79¹), 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour ($0.02¹), and 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning ($0.30¹), add up to just a few dollars per serving.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy lemon pepper chicken recipe ready in 30 minutes
• Juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper blend
• Budget-friendly, costing just a few dollars per serving
• Versatile dish that can be customized for different tastes and dietary needs
• Restaurant-quality results that can be enjoyed at home

Why This Quick Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

This lemon pepper chicken recipe is a top pick for quick, easy meals. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare³⁴. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want a tasty, restaurant-style dinner at home³.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This recipe is a hit because it’s simple and fast. You need just a few ingredients like chicken, olive oil, butter, garlic, and lemon pepper seasoning³. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays when you need a quick, easy chicken recipe that’s also budget-friendly.

Budget-Friendly Meal Solution

This lemon pepper chicken recipe is also a great value. It serves 4 and is very affordable⁴. The cost per serving is low, making it a smart choice for families on a budget.

Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

This recipe stands out because it tastes like gourmet food, but you make it at home. The mix of savory, tart, and peppery flavors is amazing. Adding a creamy lemon butter sauce makes it even better, turning a simple meal into a restaurant-quality treat.

“This lemon pepper chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It’s quick, affordable, and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.”

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken

To make the perfect lemon pepper chicken, you need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts⁵⁶. This is the base of your dish. Next, a lemon pepper seasoning blend is crucial. It usually has lemon zest, black pepper, citric acid, and salt⁵.

You also need all-purpose flour for a light coating. Plus, olive oil and butter for sautéing⁵. Chicken broth makes the lemon butter pan sauce. Fresh lemon juice and zest add the bright, citrusy flavor⁵. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wheels for a nice look.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious lemon pepper chicken dish⁵⁶.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the tasty Lemon Pepper Chicken, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, grab a large skillet for cooking the chicken breasts⁷. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights⁷. A big skillet helps the chicken cook evenly and fast.

You’ll also need measuring spoons for the recipe. Getting the flavors just right is important, so these spoons are crucial⁸. For cutting the chicken, a sharp knife makes the job easy.

Recommended Cookware

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp chef’s knife or utility knife
• Cutting board

Measuring Tools

• Measuring spoons
• Liquid measuring cup

Additional Equipment

• Instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature⁷
• Whisk for the lemon butter sauce

With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken dish at home⁷⁸⁹.

How to Prepare the Chicken Breasts

To cook chicken evenly and quickly, you need to prepare it right. If your chicken breasts are big, cut them in half lengthwise to make them thinner¹⁰. Or, you can pound the thickest part of smaller breasts to make them even¹¹. This method ensures the chicken cooks fast and evenly¹⁰.

Before seasoning, dry the chicken with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better to the meat¹⁰.

1. Fillet the chicken breasts to create thinner, even pieces¹¹.
2. If using smaller chicken breasts, pound the thickest part to achieve an even thickness¹⁰.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to prepare it for seasoning¹⁰.

By properly preparing the chicken, you’ll get a tasty, evenly cooked dish¹¹.

“Properly preparing the chicken is the key to achieving the perfect lemon pepper chicken every time.” – Chef Maria Fernandez

Making the Perfect Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemon pepper seasoning can be made at home or bought from stores. Making it yourself lets you pick the ingredients and flavor. Store-bought options are quick and easy.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Options

When buying lemon pepper seasoning, choose a good brand. Look for one with real lemon zest and few preservatives¹². This way, you get a true lemon taste without artificial stuff. Making it yourself lets you tailor the flavor.

Seasoning Blend Proportions

The homemade lemon pepper mix has flour, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder¹³. This mix gives a tasty seasoning for your Lemon Pepper Chicken.

To make it, mix lemon zest, black pepper, and salt together¹³. The homemade version might not make as much as store-bought. But, its fresh taste is worth the effort.

“The key to a delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken is in the seasoning blend. Homemade or store-bought, it’s all about finding the right balance of flavors.”

Whether you make your own or buy it, choose a quality blend¹⁴. The right seasoning makes your Lemon Pepper Chicken a success every time.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making perfect lemon pepper chicken is easy with this recipe. Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat¹⁵. When the oil and butter are hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan¹⁶.

Let the chicken sear for about 5 minutes on each side. This will give it a golden brown crust¹⁵. Make sure to check the internal temperature. Cook the chicken until it hits 165°F¹⁵. Cooking in batches helps avoid overcrowding and ensures even browning.

After the chicken is cooked, move it to a plate and cover it with foil¹⁶. This keeps it warm. Searing the chicken on the stovetop makes it juicy and flavorful with a crispy outside¹⁵.

This lemon pepper chicken recipe is great for busy nights or when you want a fancy meal at home¹⁶. The golden crust and tender inside are a treat for your taste buds.

Creating the Lemon Butter Pan Sauce

To make your Lemon Pepper Chicken taste like it’s from a restaurant, you need a flavorful lemon butter pan sauce. This sauce adds a bright, tangy, and rich touch to your dish¹⁷.

Begin by adding 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet after searing the chicken¹⁸. Cook the garlic until it smells great, then add 1/2 cup of chicken broth. This will help loosen any browned bits from the pan¹⁸.

Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes. This will help it thicken a bit¹⁸.

Sauce Consistency Tips

If you want a thicker sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry¹⁹. For a thinner sauce, just add more chicken broth¹⁹.

Flavor Enhancement Techniques

To boost the lemon flavor, mix in the zest and juice of 1 lemon¹⁸. You can also add a tablespoon of white wine or lemon-infused olive oil for more depth¹⁹.

Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remember, your lemon pepper seasoning has salt in it¹⁷. The sauce should be silky, tangy, and balanced, enhancing the Lemon Pepper Chicken’s flavors.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Serving Suggestions

Take your meal to the next level with lemon pepper chicken and a variety of side dishes²⁰. Try it with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. For a taste of Italy, pair it with a Caprese salad. This salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil²⁰.

Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus are great choices²⁰. Or, go for a low-carb option with cauliflower rice or a spinach salad²⁰. Don’t forget sides like lemon pasta or buttery dinner rolls to enjoy the pan sauce²¹.

Whichever sides you pick, the lemon pepper chicken will shine²⁰. Try different combinations to find your family’s favorite²². This way, you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and well-rounded²².

Looking for comfort, a light salad, or a mix of flavors? Lemon pepper chicken fits the bill²⁰. It’s a chance to try new side dishes and make your meal special²².

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your lemon pepper chicken leftovers. Follow these simple steps to keep your food safe and flavorful:²³

Put leftover lemon pepper chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days²³. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months²³. When reheating, warm it in a skillet with olive oil or in the microwave in 20-second bursts²³. Make sure it heats to 165°F (74°C) before eating²⁴.

Reheating chicken needs care to avoid drying it out. Use low heat and watch it closely²⁴. Chicken thighs reheat well and can be made ahead without losing quality²³.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your lemon pepper chicken leftovers safely and with great flavor²³²⁴²⁵.

Recipe Variations and Adaptations

The Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is very versatile. It can be changed to fit different tastes and diets²⁶. You can adjust the spice, make it creamy, or make it gluten-free. It’s easy to customize it to your liking.

Spice Level Adjustments

Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot paprika to the seasoning²⁷. This will give the dish a nice kick for those who like a bit of spice.

Dietary Modifications

For gluten-free diets, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour²⁶. This change lets everyone enjoy the tasty Lemon Pepper Chicken.

For a creamy twist, add heavy cream or dairy-free milk to the sauce²⁶. It makes the dish rich and indulgent.

You can also use Lemon Pepper seasoning on other proteins like pork, shrimp, or fish²⁷. Adding veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or spinach boosts the nutrition²⁶.

Looking for something spicy, creamy, or gluten-free? Lemon Pepper Chicken has it all²⁷. Let your creativity run wild with this versatile recipe.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

For a truly exceptional lemon pepper chicken dish, consider these professional cooking tips. Start by using thinly sliced chicken breasts²⁸ that will cook evenly and retain their juiciness. Marinate the chicken in the lemon pepper seasoning before cooking to infuse maximum flavor²⁹. Choose a high-quality lemon pepper blend or make your own flavorful seasoning at home³⁰.

When it’s time to cook, be mindful not to overcrowd the pan²⁹. This allows the chicken to sear properly and develop a delicious golden-brown crust. For an extra luxurious touch, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan sauce, which will deglaze the browned bits and create a rich, restaurant-quality flavor²⁹.

Finally, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before cooking²⁹. This promotes even heat distribution and helps the chicken cook through evenly, resulting in a juicy, perfectly cooked meal every time.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of lemon pepper chicken. You’ll create a dish that will become a new family favorite.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

This lemon pepper chicken recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. It has about 20g of protein³¹ per serving. This makes it great for those who want to eat more protein. It also has only 6g of carbs, which is good for many diets³¹.

Each serving has about 237 calories, making it a filling meal without too many calories³¹. The lemon adds vitamin C, and the olive oil is good for your heart³¹.

This lemon pepper chicken is not just tasty but also healthy. It’s full of protein, low in carbs, and packed with good nutrients like vitamin C and healthy fats. It’s a great choice for a balanced diet³¹.

The lemon and olive oil in this recipe offer extra health benefits. Lemon is full of vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting your immune system and overall health³¹. Olive oil’s monounsaturated fats are good for your heart and can lower disease risk³¹.

If you’re on a gluten-free, low-carb, or paleo diet, you can make this recipe work for you. Just use almond flour instead of regular breading³¹. It serves 4, takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy meal³¹.

“This lemon pepper chicken is a game-changer for my family’s weeknight dinners. It’s so quick and easy to prepare, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavors that we all love.”

Adding this lemon pepper chicken to your meals can make your diet healthier and tastier³¹. It’s high in protein, low in calories, and has the benefits of lemon and olive oil. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and health³¹³².

Conclusion

This easy lemon pepper chicken recipe is a quick dinner solution for busy nights. It’s also great for casual gatherings. You can change it up to please different tastes and dietary needs. The mix of lemon, savory seasonings, and tender chicken makes it a hit with families³³³⁴.

Looking for a weeknight favorite or a dish to impress guests? This lemon pepper chicken is both tasty and convenient. It’s fast to make, affordable, and tastes like a restaurant meal³⁴.

Experience the bright flavors of this lemon pepper chicken. It’s a meal your family will love. With just a few steps and the right ingredients, you can make a gourmet meal at home³³³⁵.

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