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 flavors¹.

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 kitchen¹. 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 families². It’s great for families or anyone looking for an easy meal prep option².

The dish is very versatile. You can serve it with pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal². 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 choice².

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 night². 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 needs²³⁴.

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 protein⁵. You’ll also need all-purpose flour for a crispy coating. And, of course, the main attraction – lemon pepper seasoning⁶.

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 taste⁶. Don’t forget dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to round out the flavors⁷. Top it off with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant garnish⁶.

Remember, the lemon pepper seasoning can vary in salt content. So, adjust the recipe to avoid too much salt⁶.

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 temperatures⁸. 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 well⁸.

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 sauce⁸.

An instant-read thermometer is also important. It helps ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F⁸.

Additional Kitchen Tools

• Large, oven-safe skillet⁸
• Sharp knife for filleting chicken⁸
• Mixing bowl for seasoning⁸
• Tongs for handling chicken⁸
• Whisk for making sauce⁸
• Instant-read thermometer to check doneness⁸

With these kitchen utensils and cooking equipment, making the Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe will be easy⁸⁹.

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 salt¹⁰.

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 it¹⁰.

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 taste¹⁰.

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 collection¹⁰.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

To start, cut the chicken breasts into thinner pieces or pound them to an even thickness¹¹. 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 like¹². 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 side¹¹. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F¹¹.

By following these steps, you’ll get juicy, flavorful lemon pepper chicken in just 30 minutes¹¹. The crispy flour coating and perfect sear will make it a favorite at home.

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 dish¹³. The sauce includes butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper¹³. It delivers a zesty and peppery finish that perfectly complements the chicken¹³.

Start by sautéing minced garlic in butter over medium heat until fragrant¹³. Then, add in chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest¹⁴. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly¹⁴. For a creamier version, consider adding a splash of heavy cream¹⁴. 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 top¹⁴. 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 irresistible¹³. 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 timing¹⁵. 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 cooking¹⁵. Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Pull it off the heat when it hits 165°F at its thickest part¹⁵. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry, tough chicken.

Timing and Doneness Tips

Watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking¹⁶. This lemon pepper chicken recipe cooks in about 35-40 minutes¹⁵. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices in¹⁶. Marinating the chicken in lemon pepper seasoning before cooking adds extra flavor¹⁶.

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 taste¹⁷. For a unique flavor, swap lemon for orange juice and zest¹⁸.

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 taste¹⁹.

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 pepper¹⁸. These tweaks let you make the dish your own and enjoy a special meal.

Source Links

1. Lemon Pepper Chicken | Easy Recipe, Ready in 30 Minutes! – https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/
2. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://www.gonnawantseconds.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-lemon-pan-sauce/
3. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://lifemadesimplebakes.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-chicken/
4. The Best Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe – The Savory Chopstick – https://www.thesavorychopstick.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/
5. Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe | McCormick – https://www.mccormick.com/recipes/main-dishes/classic-pepper-lemon-chicken
6. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/
7. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://www.recipetineats.com/homemade-lemon-pepper-chicken/
8. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://cravinghomecooked.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/
9. Sauteed Lemon Pepper Chicken (30 Minute Meal!) – Slender Kitchen – https://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/sauteed-lemon-pepper-chicken
10. Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are a Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner – https://www.simplyrecipes.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-breasts-recipe-6828643
11. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://downshiftology.com/recipes/lemon-pepper-chicken/
12. Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://www.budgetbytes.com/easy-lemon-pepper-chicken/
13. Ultimate Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings – https://www.butterbeready.com/ultimate-lemon-pepper-chicken-wings/
14. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://www.saltandlavender.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/
15. Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe – https://www.dinner-mom.com/baked-lemon-pepper-chicken-recipe/
16. Lemon Pepper Chicken – https://www.greatgrubdelicioustreats.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/
17. Lemon Pepper Chicken – Crunchy Creamy Sweet – https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/lemon-pepper-chicken/
18. Easy Crispy Baked Wet Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets – https://www.justmaikacooking.com/recipes/wet-lemon-pepper-chicken-cutlets/
19. Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe ( Paleo & Whole30) – https://www.notenoughcinnamon.com/easy-lemon-pepper-chicken/