Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes
Do you crave a flavorful chicken dish that’s quick and easy? This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a juicy, tender chicken entree with zesty citrus and bold black pepper flavors.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This recipe is a one-pan wonder. It uses simple ingredients like olive oil, butter, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. It creates a restaurant-quality meal in your kitchen. It’s great for a fast weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish. This Lemon Pepper Chicken is sure to become a new family favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Ready in just 30 minutes for a quick and easy meal
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients like lemon, butter, and parsley
- Perfectly juicy and flavorful with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning
- Versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences
- Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
Why This Quick Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Favorite
This lemon pepper chicken recipe is a true weeknight winner. It takes only 30 minutes or less to prepare, making it perfect for busy families. It’s great for families or anyone looking for an easy meal prep option.
The dish is very versatile. You can serve it with pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for four months, making it a great make-ahead choice.
This recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses simple ingredients like chicken breasts, flour, and lemon pepper seasoning. You can enjoy a tasty, affordable dinner any night. Plus, you can customize it to fit your family’s taste.
This family-friendly chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, affordable, and versatile, making it ideal for your easy meal prep needs.
Essential Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken
The secret to a tasty lemon pepper chicken dish is in the ingredients. At its core are boneless skinless chicken breasts, offering a lean and tender protein. You’ll also need all-purpose flour for a crispy coating. And, of course, the main attraction – lemon pepper seasoning.
To tie everything together, use olive oil for sautéing and butter for a creamy sauce. Chicken broth adds moisture, while lemon juice and zest boost the citrusy taste. Don’t forget dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to round out the flavors. Top it off with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant garnish.
Remember, the lemon pepper seasoning can vary in salt content. So, adjust the recipe to avoid too much salt.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools and equipment. A large skillet is key. It must handle both stovetop and oven temperatures. This lets you sear the chicken on the stovetop and then bake it in the oven.
A cast iron skillet is a great choice. It heats evenly and keeps heat well.
Recommended Skillet Options
You’ll also need a sharp knife for cutting the chicken breasts. A mixing bowl is needed for the seasoning. Tongs are useful for handling the chicken, and a whisk is essential for the lemon butter sauce.
An instant-read thermometer is also important. It helps ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F.
Additional Kitchen Tools
- Large, oven-safe skillet
- Sharp knife for filleting chicken
- Mixing bowl for seasoning
- Tongs for handling chicken
- Whisk for making sauce
- Instant-read thermometer to check doneness
With these kitchen utensils and cooking equipment, making the Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe will be easy.
Understanding Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Lemon pepper seasoning is a tasty mix that brings a zesty and peppery taste to many dishes. It usually has lemon zest, black pepper, citric acid, and salt.
You can find lemon pepper seasoning in stores or make it yourself. Making it at home lets you pick the ingredients and adjust the taste. When buying, look for real lemon zest and fewer preservatives. Also, check the salt content so you can adjust it.
The main parts of lemon pepper seasoning are lemon zest and black pepper. The lemon zest gives a bright, citrusy taste. The black pepper adds a warm, peppery flavor. Sometimes, citric acid is added for more tanginess, and salt balances the taste.
Whether you buy it or make it, lemon pepper seasoning is great for many dishes. It’s good on chicken, fish, veggies, and even popcorn. It’s a must-have in your spice collection.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To start, cut the chicken breasts into thinner pieces or pound them to an even thickness. This makes sure the chicken cooks evenly and sears beautifully.
Creating the Perfect Coating
Then, mix flour with lemon pepper seasoning and any other spices you like. Coat the chicken pieces well in the seasoned flour.
Cooking Technique
Heat oil and butter in a hot skillet. Add the coated chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes each side. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
By following these steps, you’ll get juicy, flavorful lemon pepper chicken in just 30 minutes. The crispy flour coating and perfect sear will make it a favorite at home.
| Nutritional Value | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 253.4 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3.53g |
| Protein | 34.45g |
| Fat | 10.43g |
| Sodium | 656.68mg |
| Fiber | 0.15g |
Making the Signature Lemon Butter Sauce
After cooking the tender and flavorful lemon pepper chicken, it’s time to create the signature lemon butter sauce. This sauce will truly elevate this dish. The sauce includes butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper. It delivers a zesty and peppery finish that perfectly complements the chicken.
Start by sautéing minced garlic in butter over medium heat until fragrant. Then, add in chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. For a creamier version, consider adding a splash of heavy cream. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice, garlic, or pepper to suit your preferences.
Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top. Serve the chicken immediately, allowing the flavors to meld together for a truly mouthwatering experience.
The lemon pepper seasoning blend and the creamy, zesty sauce come together to create a pan sauce recipe that is simply irresistible. The lemon garlic sauce and butter sauce provide the perfect balance of bright, tangy, and rich flavors. These flavors will have your family and guests coming back for more.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Juicy Chicken
To get juicy chicken breasts, focus on the cooking temperature and timing. Here are some expert tips to make your lemon pepper chicken moist and tasty:
Temperature Control Guidelines
Keep the heat medium to medium-high when cooking. Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Pull it off the heat when it hits 165°F at its thickest part. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry, tough chicken.
Timing and Doneness Tips
Watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking. This lemon pepper chicken recipe cooks in about 35-40 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices in. Marinating the chicken in lemon pepper seasoning before cooking adds extra flavor.
By sticking to these cooking temperature and timing tips, you’ll make juicy, perfectly cooked lemon pepper chicken every time. 
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Make your Lemon Pepper Chicken dish even better by trying out different variations. Use chicken thighs or wings for a new taste. For a unique flavor, swap lemon for orange juice and zest.
For a creamier sauce, add heavy cream or half-and-half to your lemon butter sauce. This makes the sauce smooth and flavorful. You can also add Parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, or capers for more taste.
Add fresh veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or spinach to your chicken for a healthy meal. For a spicy touch, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These tweaks let you make the dish your own and enjoy a special meal.
