If you’re craving a dish that’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, you’re going to love this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of zesty lemon and bold pepper, enhanced by garlic and olive oil, creating a juicy, tender chicken breast that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Let me walk you through why this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe stands out and how simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe shine, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each plays an essential role: from the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice that tenderizes the chicken, to the lemon pepper seasoning that adds a punch of flavor, and the garlic that brings a warm aromatic depth. Together, they create a harmony of taste and texture you won’t want to miss.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the perfect cut to soak up all those delicious flavors without overwhelming fat.
- Juice from 2 large fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice provides a bold and refreshing tang that defines this dish.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning: The key seasoning that delivers heat, citrus zest, and peppery spice in one mix.
- 3 minced garlic cloves: Garlic infuses a savory depth that complements lemon’s brightness perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
This step is where the magic starts! Combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon pepper seasoning to create a vibrant marinade. Submerge your chicken breasts in this mixture and let them soak up those bright and spicy flavors for at least 30 minutes. The acidity in the lemon juice not only boosts flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making every bite juicy and tender.
Step 2: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Whether you’re firing up a grill or heating a skillet on the stove, get it hot over medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken, locking in all those wonderful flavors from the marinade. A hot pan creates that golden crust everyone loves, adding texture alongside the succulent interior.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts on your grill or skillet, cooking each side for about six minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which means the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while still pleasantly moist. Resist the urge to overcook, as that can dry out the meat. That crust you get here will be flavorful, slightly charred, and just irresistible.
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. This crucial pause allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy instead of drying out when cut. This little wait makes a huge difference in the final texture and ensures every bite is as delicious as it can be.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges adds a burst of color and fresh aroma that brightens the dish even further. These simple garnishes also enhance the citrus notes and make your plate look inviting and cheerful.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up any delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of mixed greens for a satisfying salad, or stack it on crusty bread with arugula and a smear of garlic aioli for a mouthwatering sandwich. You can also toss sliced chicken into pasta with a light lemon cream sauce for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Storing it properly helps maintain the flavors and keeps the meat juicy when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, the chicken freezes nicely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this tasty dish on a busy night with no extra effort.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat. Adding a splash of water or broth to the pan helps keep it moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy even longer. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is lemon pepper seasoning easy to find? Can I make it at home?
You can find lemon pepper seasoning in most grocery stores, usually near the other spice blends. Making it at home is simple too—just combine freshly ground black pepper with lemon zest and a bit of salt for a fresh and flavorful mix.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling or pan-searing?
Yes! Bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Baking is a great option if you want hands-off cooking but still want that delicious flavor.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Minimum 30 minutes is great, but you can marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors even more. Avoid marinating too long (over 8 hours) to prevent the lemon’s acidity from breaking down the meat too much.
Is this recipe keto or low carb friendly?
Definitely! This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for keto and other low-carb diets.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can produce a meal that feels special every time. The bright lemon, spicy pepper, and garlic create a flavorful package that’s juicy, tender, and downright satisfying. Give it a try soon—you might just find this is the recipe you turn to again and again when you want a comforting, fresh dinner on the table without any fuss.
Print
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and zesty lemon pepper seasoning. Quickly grilled or cooked on the stovetop, this dish is flavorful, juicy, and perfect for a healthy, weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
Marinade
- Juice from 2 large fresh lemons
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 3 minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon pepper seasoning to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the vibrant flavors.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts if desired and serve immediately, pairing with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) intensifies the lemon flavor.
- If using a skillet, a non-stick or cast iron pan works best for even cooking.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking is crucial to keep it juicy.
- Adjust lemon pepper seasoning based on your spice and flavor preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
