Lemon pepper chicken is a bright, tangy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick to make, juicy, and has a golden crust coated with zesty lemon pepper seasoning. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving a tasty meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let me walk you through how to make lemon pepper chicken step by step, with tips to get the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large or 4 smaller ones)
– Lemon pepper seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– All-purpose flour or arrowroot powder
– Olive oil or cooking oil
– Unsalted butter
– Fresh lemon juice
– Garlic cloves, minced
– Chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
– Optional: fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
– Salt (kosher salt works well)
If you want to make your own lemon pepper seasoning, combine dried lemon peel, salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of dried thyme for an extra herbal note.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly without drying out. If your chicken breasts vary in thickness, you can gently pound them to an even thickness.
Next, mix together your flour (or arrowroot powder), lemon pepper seasoning, and salt in a small bowl. This mixture will coat your chicken and give it that signature crispy, flavorful crust.
Dredge both sides of the chicken pieces in the flour and seasoning mix, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160-165°F).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely to keep warm while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in about ½ cup of chicken broth and 1 to 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, depending on how tangy you like it. Use a spatula or whisk to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this adds great flavor to your sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens. Taste and adjust salt if needed, keeping in mind that lemon pepper seasoning and broth can already add saltiness.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemony garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken warm through for a couple of minutes so it soaks up the sauce.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest, chopped parsley, and garnish with lemon slices if you like.
Serve your lemon pepper chicken hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken
– Thin and even chicken pieces cook faster and stay juicy.
– Using a combination of flour and lemon pepper seasoning creates a crispy and flavorful crust.
– Don’t skip the pan sauce — it’s what makes this dish extra special.
– Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor, but bottled lemon juice works fine in a pinch.
– For a twist, try chicken thighs instead of breasts; they pair beautifully with lemon pepper seasoning.
This lemon pepper chicken recipe is easy, quick, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy yet delicious on the table fast.
Enjoy your cooking and the wonderful taste of lemon pepper chicken!
Lemon pepper chicken is a quick, flavorful meal that combines a crispy crust with a tangy lemon butter sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a perfect dinner for any day of the week.