If you’re searching for a vibrant, zesty, and crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is about to be your new go-to. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are coated in a lively blend of lemon pepper, garlic, and paprika, then seared to golden perfection and finished with a burst of fresh lemon juice and zest. Every bite is a celebration of bright flavors and savory satisfaction—the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each component adds a layer of flavor, color, or texture that makes this dish shine, so let’s give them all a moment in the spotlight:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, protein-packed, and cook up juicy when prepared properly.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while promoting a beautiful sear.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The star of the show—delivers zesty citrus, peppery heat, and instant flavor.
Garlic powder: Lends a subtle savory depth that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavor mix.
Paprika: Brings color and a hint of smoky warmth to the crust.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every note of flavor—taste and adjust as you go.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a burst of tangy brightness just before serving.
Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemony aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of chopped parsley brings freshness and color to the plate.

How to Make Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet (or even a rolling pin) to gently pound each breast to an even thickness—aim for about half an inch. This simple trick ensures that your chicken cooks evenly throughout, so every bite is juicy and tender.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Give it a quick stir to mix everything together. This homemade blend is what gives the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe its signature burst of flavor and irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Drizzle both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously rub the seasoning mixture all over. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered—this is your moment to build big flavor before the chicken even hits the skillet.

Step 4: Sear to Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully lay the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until each piece is gorgeously golden and cooked through (the thickest part should reach 165°F). The combination of oil and butter creates a beautiful crust and keeps the chicken moist.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon

In the final minute of cooking, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon right over the chicken, then sprinkle with lemon zest. This last step brightens the whole dish, making the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe sing with freshness. Remove the pan from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for both flavor and presentation. You can also add extra lemon zest or a few thin lemon slices on top for that wow factor. These finishing touches make your Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with just about anything. Try serving it alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal, fluffy rice to soak up the pan juices, or on top of crisp salad greens for a lighter option. The flavors are versatile, so feel free to get creative with your favorite sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and tuck it into warm pita bread with lettuce and a dollop of Greek yogurt, or layer it over a grain bowl with quinoa and colorful veggies. The Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe also makes fantastic leftovers for wraps or sandwiches the next day—just slice and enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits, making it just as crave-worthy the next day.

Freezing

The Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Simply wrap each cooled chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon before serving will bring back that lovely brightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the butter for more olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. You’ll still get fantastic color and flavor on the chicken.

What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?

You can make your own by combining freshly cracked black pepper, lemon zest, and a touch of salt. It’s a game-changer and allows you to control the citrus and peppery notes to your liking.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Definitely! Grilling adds a smoky element that works perfectly with the lemon and pepper. Just preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook the seasoned chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key, as is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F), and always let it rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices stay locked in.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself coming back to time after time. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, yet bold and fresh enough to impress guests at your dinner table. Give it a try, and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe offers a flavorful, juicy, and easy-to-make main course featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper blend and cooked to perfection in a buttery skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal option, it pairs wonderfully with vegetables, rice, or salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Lemon and Garnish

Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Pound the Chicken: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt thoroughly.
Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides, then coat each piece evenly with the seasoning blend to maximize flavor.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt and become sizzling hot.
Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached, ensuring thorough cooking.
Add Lemon Flavor: During the last minute of cooking, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest for a fresh, tangy finish.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3–5 minutes to lock in juices before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for color and herbaceousness, then serve warm.

Notes

Pairs excellently with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or as a topping over fresh salad greens.
For a smokier flavor, consider grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American