🐔 Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Perfect for Dinner

Imagine coming home to a sizzling lemon pepper chicken dish after a long day. Last week, that’s what happened in my kitchen. Looking for a fast, tasty dinner, I found a recipe. It had great reviews and promised to be easy and full of flavor.

This recipe was so simple, needing just a few ingredients. All I needed was chicken breasts, some flour, lemon pepper, garlic, and broth. It all cost under $7, making it great for my wallet. Plus, it was healthy with just the right amount of protein and fat in each serving.

Making the meal was easy. I seasoned the chicken, then cooked it for a crispy outside. The sauce, made with butter and parsley, got thick and rich. In just a few minutes, I had a meal that tasted like it came from a fancy restaurant.

Key Takeaways

• The lemon pepper chicken recipe is simple yet highly rated with 5 out of 5 stars from 61 votes.
• Ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, lemon pepper seasoning, and pantry staples, costing a total of $6.79.
• Each serving is nutritionally balanced with 253.4 kcal and contains 34.45g of protein.
• Preparation involves searing the chicken for a golden crust and making a tangy, homemade lemon pepper sauce.
• This quick lemon pepper chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and will likely become a staple in your meal rotation.

Introduction to Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is full of zest and spices. It’s a favorite in American cooking known for its taste and simplicity. This dish is easy to make and is loved in many families. It brings a refreshing taste to any meal with its unique flavors.

Why Lemon Pepper Chicken?

The best lemon pepper chicken has a perfect mix of flavors. It’s not only tasty but also healthy. It offers 325 kcal, 25g protein, and important vitamins for a balanced diet.

With low carbs and sugar, it’s great for those watching what they eat.

History and Popularity

In America, lemon pepper chicken is a common go-to because it’s easy and reliable. You can adjust it for many dietary needs. Making it healthier is simple; just use low-sodium broth and fresh lemon.

All you need is common kitchen tools like a thermometer and skillet. Baking or pan-searing, both ways bring out flavors that people love.

Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken

The secret to the best lemon pepper chicken is in the ingredients you use. Whether you’re making a simple dinner or something more complex, knowing what to add makes a huge difference. Start with the right base, then build on that with your favorite flavors.

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you need for a tasty lemon pepper chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.3 lbs) – $6.79
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour – $0.02
• 1 Tbsp lemon pepper seasoning – $0.30
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil – $0.04
• 1 clove garlic – $0.08
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – $0.07
• 1 Tbsp butter – $0.14
• 1 tsp lemon juice – $0.02
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper – $0.02

Optional Ingredients

Some extras you might like to use with your lemon pepper chicken:

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley – $0.10
• Parmesan cheese
• Honey
• White wine

Here’s a table that compares the nutrition in lemon pepper chicken:

This lemon pepper chicken recipe is easy, affordable, and tasty. It can be changed to fit different tastes too. Use the main and extra ingredients to make it just right for you.

How to Prepare the Chicken

To make lemon pepper chicken, the first step is choosing the right chicken. You can pick either chicken breast or thigh. Both choices will affect how your meal turns out. But, boneless, skinless chicken is best. It cooks fast and stays juicy.

Choosing the Right Cuts

Think about how you like your chicken and how you’ll cook it when choosing. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a good option, coming in roughly 1.3 pounds for two. They work well for fast meals. They soak up marinades easily and cook evenly. Picking boneless also means you won’t have to worry about bones making the meal less simple to enjoy.

But, chicken thighs are also a tasty choice because they are juicier and have more flavor. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless too, for easy and consistent cooking.

Preparing and Seasoning the Chicken

Seasoning chicken well is key to a great dish. Start by drying off your chicken. This removes extra moisture. It helps seasoning stick and gives the chicken a nice outer layer. Mix two tablespoons of flour and one of lemon pepper seasoning. This will add both texture and taste.

Next, coat your chicken with the seasonings. Make sure each piece is well covered. For more flavors, you can add finely minced garlic and fresh parsley if you like. But these are optional.

You can also try black pepper or a dash of cayenne for some extra kick. For a gluten-free option, use a suitable flour instead of all-purpose.

By choosing and seasoning your chicken carefully, you’ll make a dish that’s tasty and satisfying. And it only takes about 15 minutes to cook.

Making the Perfect Lemon Pepper Sauce

Making great lemon pepper chicken lies in its sauce. The ideal *lemon pepper sauce* mixes its ingredients carefully. This makes the sauce not just a side but a key part of the dish.

Ingredients for the Sauce

You’ll need these for the perfect *lemon pepper sauce*:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon EACH: mustard powder, parsley, oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening)

Cooking Instructions

To make a rich, silky *lemon pepper sauce*, follow these steps:

1. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté minced garlic until it smells good.
3. Make a roux by stirring in 3 tablespoons of flour.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and wine.
5. Also add cream, honey, and sugar.
6. Mix in lemon pepper, herbs, and spices.
7. Let it simmer until it thickens, stirring now and then for 10-15 minutes.
8. Finally, add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.

Following this recipe gives you a sauce that’s smooth and tasty. It turns *cooking lemon pepper chicken* into something truly wonderful.

Cooking Methods for Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken shines with its versatility. It offers several methods for cooking, each bringing a different taste and texture. You can go for a crispy outer layer with pan-searing. Or, get an even bake with the oven. If you prefer a smoky touch, grilling is the way to go.

Pan-Searing

One of the best ways to cook lemon pepper chicken is pan-searing. To do this, heat up a pan and add a bit of oil. Cook the seasoned chicken for 5 minutes on each side. This gives the chicken a nice, golden-brown look and keeps it juicy inside. It’s perfect for those who love a crispy finish.

Baking

Baking chicken is great for a more hands-off method. Preheat your oven to 375°F, and bake the chicken. It only takes 20-25 minutes to get to 160-165°F inside. This method cooks the chicken evenly. It’s a great choice for making the chicken tender and juicy.

Grilling

If you want a smoky flavor, choose grilling chicken. Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. The smoky flavor goes perfectly with the lemon and pepper. This makes the whole dish tasty and eye-catching.

Here’s a look at nutrition info and cooking times for each method:

Whatever way you cook it, lemon pepper chicken is always tasty. Try different cooking methods for lemon pepper chicken to find your favorite.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is truly delicious. Pairing it with the right sides makes the meal even better. You can choose from a variety of vegetable sides, carb options, and salads to go with it.

Vegetable Sides

Add some color and taste to your plate with these vegetable sides:

• Steamed asparagus: It’s both crunchy and a vibrant green.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: They add a deep and savory taste.
• Grilled vegetables: They bring a smoky flavor to the meal.
• Sautéed mushrooms: They add an earthy and savory twist.

Carb Options

Make your meal more satisfying by adding the right carb options:

• Mashed potatoes: They’re creamy and a favorite comfort food.
• Cauliflower rice: It’s light, fluffy, and low-carb.
• Yellow Rice: It adds a beautiful look and taste to your plate.
• Truffle potatoes: They offer a luxurious taste that’s hard to beat.

Salad Pairings

If you want something lighter, try these salad pairings with your chicken:

• Shirazi Salad: It mixes tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs for a fresh taste.
• Caprese Salad: It’s fresh and combines mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
• Corn salsa: It brings sweetness with corn and herb flavors.
• Spinach salad: A light and nutrient-packed choice.

Choosing the right sides for your lemon pepper chicken is key. By picking the best vegetables, carbs, and salads, you can make your meal perfect. This ensures a delicious and well-balanced dining experience.

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken for Weeknights

Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Try this lemon pepper chicken recipe for busy nights. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and uses 2 large chicken breasts. This makes a healthy dinner without the fuss.

1. Ingredient Quantities: You’ll need 4 thin-cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Also, 1/3 cup flour, 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning, and 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter are needed. Plus, you’ll use 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley at the end.

Cooking Instructions: Coat the chicken in flour and lemon pepper to start. Then, cook them in olive oil and butter until they reach 160 to 165°F inside. This step makes sure your chicken is juicy and well-cooked.

Nutrition: Each serving of this dish has about 259 calories. It includes 25g of protein, 16g of fat, and is rich in flavor but not heavy. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting both tasty and healthy meals.

Alternatives and Storage: If you’re going gluten-free, you can use arrowroot powder, tapioca flour, or cornstarch in place of regular flour. Watch out for extra stuff in store-bought lemon pepper seasonings. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze them for later.

Quick Sides: Serve this lemon pepper chicken with something easy like steamed veggies or a salad. It makes for a delicious, well-rounded dinner.

Homemade Lemon Pepper Chicken Seasoning

Creating homemade lemon pepper seasoning can make your meals pop. You use fresh ingredients to make a bold, natural mix just for you. Let’s explore how to craft your own chicken seasoning from scratch.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon citric acid
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Making the Seasoning

Here are the steps to whip up homemade lemon pepper seasoning:

1. Zest the lemons: Be sure the zest is evenly spread out to dry for 24 hours.
2. Grind the pepper: Opt for freshly ground black pepper to boost the taste.
3. Combine ingredients: Blend the dried lemon zest, ground pepper, salt, citric acid, and garlic powder in a bowl.
4. Store: Keep the mix in an airtight container. A cool, dry spot keeps it fresh.

Using this homemade seasoning adds a zing to your chicken. With every taste, you’ll enjoy the freshness and satisfaction that store versions can’t match.

Healthy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Tips

Making a healthy lemon pepper chicken just takes a few tweaks. You want to cut down on sodium and fats. This way, you keep it tasty but better for you.

Reducing Sodium

The main spice in lemon pepper chicken is, well, lemon pepper. Start with a healthy lemon pepper chicken by using a low-sodium broth. This simple switch cuts the dish’s salt. Also, mix your lemon pepper seasoning with less salt. Then, add in more fresh lemon zest and black pepper for flavor.

Lowering Fat Content

To reduce the fat in your chicken, choose skinless breasts. They naturally have less fat than thighs or drumsticks. Next, use good oils like olive or avocado. You can also cook with less oil in a non-stick pan. These steps make a leaner but still tasty healthy lemon pepper chicken.

Follow these suggestions for a healthier take on a favorite meal. It’s good for any time you eat, especially for those watching their health.

Stove-Top Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

The stove-top lemon pepper chicken is a classic, easy way to make a tasty meal. It turns out with juicy, golden-brown chicken. Then, it’s simmered in a zesty lemon pepper sauce. We’ll go through the recipe step by step, and I’ll share some important tips for a perfect dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by getting everything you need. You’ll want 2 chicken breasts, 2 spoons of flour, 1 spoon of lemon pepper, cooking oil, garlic, chicken broth, butter, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.

1. Cut the chicken breasts into thin pieces to cook fast.
2. Mix the flour and lemon pepper in a dish. Coat the chicken in this mix.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and golden.
5. Take the chicken out. In the same skillet, cook the garlic until it smells good.
6. Use the broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping the flavorful bits off the bottom.
7. Then, add butter and lemon juice to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until a bit thick.
8. Put the chicken back in the skillet to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute.
9. Sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

Cooking Tips

For the best lemon pepper chicken, keep these tips in mind:

• Use thin chicken pieces: Choose thin cuts or pound thicker pieces thin for even cooking.
• Season thoroughly: A good coating of flour and lemon pepper makes the chicken tasty.
• Deglaze properly: Scrape the skillet well when adding broth to get all the flavor in the sauce.
• Finishing touch: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for the best flavor.

This dish is both yummy and easy on the wallet, costing around $6.58 for two servings. It’s nutritious too, with each serving providing 253.4 calories and 34.45g of protein. The tangy taste will make it a favorite dish for many meals to come.

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Baking a lemon pepper chicken is simple yet produces tasty results. It offers a flavorful and easy dish. This recipe is sure to please anyone.

Preparation Steps

To make this dish, preparing the chicken is key:

1. Cut 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts in half.
2. Season them with 1 Tbsp. lemon pepper and 1 tsp. kosher salt.
3. Coat them with 1/2 cup flour to make them crunchy.
4. Warm 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Before you bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Baking Instructions

Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to bake:

1. Put the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish.
2. In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. butter and add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until it smells good.
3. Reassure control freaks by adding 1/2 cup of Swanson Chicken broth and juice from one lemon. Stir well.
4. Drizzle the mix over the chicken.
5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is 165°F inside.

This chicken dish is tasty and nutritious. It has 24g of protein, 170 calories, and only 1g of carbs per serving, making it a healthy option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon pepper chicken might look easy, but there are key common cooking mistakes that can mess it up. Knowing how to prevent these can make your dish much better. Here are some key lemon pepper chicken tips.

Overcooking the chicken is one major common cooking mistake. Cook the chicken until your meat thermometer hits 165 degrees. This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. Don’t forget to check with a thermometer.

Underseasoning is another mistake to avoid. Season your chicken well with salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure the lemon pepper seasoning is spread evenly too. It prevents your chicken from being tasteless.

Letting the chicken rest a bit after cooking is important but often missed. This simple step makes sure the juices are well-distributed. As a result, your chicken stays moist and tasty. Skipping the rest can make your chicken dry.

Not noticing the different thickness of chicken breasts can lead to uneven cooking. Pound the chicken to make it an even thickness. This step helps it cook through properly. Adding some fresh lemon juice after cooking adds a great last touch, a must-do from lemon pepper chicken tips.

By avoiding common cooking mistakes and using these lemon pepper chicken tips, you can make tasty meals. These tips work well for any occasion, from simple suppers to friends over.

Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Variations

If variety is your thing, consider the many options for lemon pepper chicken. You can use the seasoned chicken in different meals. This includes dishes like chicken pasta or chicken salad. Doing so caters to various tastes and needs.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta

A favorite variation is lemon pepper chicken pasta. The chicken, cooked with olive oil, lemon juice, and more, goes amazingly with pasta. Adding basil, oregano, and lemon zest makes the meal tangy and refreshing. This dish is both filling and simple to make, perfect for those busy days.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad

For something light, try a lemon pepper chicken salad. It’s a healthy, quick meal for any time. Tossing the chicken with greens and a simple vinaigrette turns it into a gourmet salad. Preparing the chicken by marinating it well first is key. It should be cooked to 165°F inside. The salad is easy, low in carbs, and fits with keto and gluten-free diets.

Quick and Simple Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Find the best quick lemon pepper chicken recipe for your busy days. It brings out the chicken’s natural taste with a kick from lemon pepper. You’ll love this simple dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a no-fuss meal.

This simple chicken recipe is tasty without breaking the bank. You can make it for just $6.79 using two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Here’s the cost of each ingredient:

This meal is also nutritious. Each serving gives you:

• Calories: 253.4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3.53g
• Protein: 34.45g
• Fat: 10.43g
• Sodium: 656.68mg
• Fiber: 0.15g

It’s great for meal prep. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Try this easy and delicious recipe for dinner tonight.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Meal Prep Ideas

Making lemon pepper chicken for meal prep is a smart choice. It offers both ease and taste in one meal. Here are great ways to prep your lemon pepper chicken:

Portioning and Storage

It’s important to portion your lemon pepper chicken right. This keeps it fresh all week. One good way is to put each chicken breast in its own container. This makes it easier to keep track of what you eat, too.

Make sure to store it in airtight containers. It can keep in the fridge for up to four days. If you’re not going to eat it all soon, freezing works well. The chicken stays good frozen for about three months.

Reheating Tips

Reheating lemon pepper chicken without drying it out is key. A microwave is the easiest choice. Just remember to lightly cover the container. This helps keep the moisture in while it heats up.

If you want, you can also reheat your chicken in the oven. Set it to 325°F and warm it up for 15-20 minutes. This gives you a more even temperature throughout.

With the right meal prep, storing, and heating, your lemon pepper chicken will always taste great. This makes your week run more smoothly and tastily.

Conclusion

Lemon pepper chicken is a standout dinner choice. Its taste, flexibility, and how easy it is to make all play a part. You can have this ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for quick dinners. It goes well with various sides, like sauteed asparagus or a salad. This adds nutrition and makes the meal fulfilling.

For the ones who like to try new things, there are many ways to spice up this meal. You could bake the chicken for a healthier version. You might swap pepper for garlic or add honey for sweetness. You could even use heavy cream for a rich taste. These changes make the dish fun. They also keep it a well-rounded meal, with 403 calories and 43g of protein.

You can easily save leftover lemon pepper chicken. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for later. When you’re ready to eat it again, heat your oven to 350℉. This helps keep the meal’s taste and texture. Cooking it until the inside is 165℉ keeps it safe and tasty without the worry.

At the end of the day, lemon pepper chicken is a winner for any dinner. It impresses both family and friends. With its many serving ideas, it’s bound to be a recurring favorite. This meal brightens your table with its zesty and satisfying taste.