Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are a delicious, simple, and vibrant dish that brings together the tanginess of fresh lemon, the heat of black pepper, and the juiciness of tender chicken breasts. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something flavorful to impress your guests, this dish delivers. It combines savory, citrusy flavors with a perfect balance of spices, making it a light yet satisfying meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Preparing the Chicken

1. Trim the chicken breasts: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If the breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally or pounding them with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
2. Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. This step is essential for creating a good sear when pan-searing or grilling, as it helps the chicken develop a nice crust.

2 Making the Marinade

1. Mix the marinade ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, black pepper, onion powder, dried thyme or oregano, and a pinch of salt. This vibrant, flavorful marinade will soak into the chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
2. Taste the marinade: Give the marinade a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon for brightness or more black pepper for extra heat.

3 Marinating the Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
2. Flip occasionally: If using a dish, flip the chicken breasts halfway through the marinating time to ensure even coating.

4 Cooking the Chicken (Pan-Seared, Baked, or Grilled)

Pan-Seared Method

1. Heat the pan: Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
2. Cook the chicken: Once the pan is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any excess marinade) and carefully place the breasts in the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest the chicken: After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

Baked Method

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Broil for extra color: For extra color and a slightly crispy exterior, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.

Grilled Method

1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them directly on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

5 Finishing Touches

1. Garnish: For added brightness and presentation, garnish the chicken with extra lemon slices or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
2. Serve hot: Serve the lemon pepper chicken breasts immediately with your choice of side dishes.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that bright, tangy flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it can have a more muted flavor.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking ensures that it stays juicy. Cutting into it too early will cause the juices to escape.
• Monitor the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety, but overcooking can result in dry meat.

Variations and Substitutions

1 Spice it Up

• Cayenne pepper: Add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika can bring a different depth of flavor to the dish.

2 Change the Protein

• Turkey breasts: For a leaner option, swap the chicken breasts for turkey breasts and follow the same cooking instructions.
• Pork chops: This marinade also works wonderfully with pork chops, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

3 Dairy-Free Option

• If you want to add some creaminess to the dish without dairy, consider making a simple lemon garlic sauce with coconut cream or almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement the bright and tangy flavors:

• Roasted vegetables: Try roasting Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus with olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a simple yet flavorful side.
• Rice or quinoa: A bed of fluffy rice or quinoa can help soak up the lemony sauce.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect balance to the tangy chicken.
• Pasta: Toss some cooked pasta in olive oil and garlic for an easy, comforting side dish.

Storing and Reheating

1 Storing

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.

2 Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just note that bone-in cuts may require a longer cooking time, especially if baking or grilling.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

• Yes, this lemon pepper chicken recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits within a keto diet. Pair it with low-carb vegetables or a salad to complete your meal.

Conclusion

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are an easy and delicious way to bring fresh, zesty flavors to your dinner table. With minimal prep and a short list of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, the tangy lemon and bold pepper seasoning will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Yield: 4

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts Recipe

Print

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are a delicious, simple, and vibrant dish that brings together the tanginess of fresh lemon, the heat of black pepper, and the juiciness of tender chicken breasts. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something flavorful to impress your guests, this dish delivers. It combines savory, citrusy flavors with a perfect balance of spices, making it a light yet satisfying meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to pound them to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.

2. Season Chicken:

• In a small bowl, mix the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture.

3. Sear Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

4. Add Lemon:

• Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, turning the chicken in the sauce to coat it well.

5. Serve:

• Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for extra flavor.

Notes

Optional: You can bake the seasoned chicken breasts in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes if you prefer baking over pan-frying.

Sides: Serve with a light side such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to complement the lemony flavors.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.