Zingy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Tender chicken breasts dance with zesty lemon pepper seasoning, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

The bright citrus notes perfectly complement the bold pepper’s warm kick.

This simple yet elegant dish promises to elevate your weeknight dinner routine.

Each bite delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The recipe combines classic ingredients with a foolproof cooking method that ensures success every time.

Minimal prep and quick cooking make this lemon pepper chicken breast a go-to meal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.

Serve alongside your favorite sides and watch as this vibrant dish becomes an instant family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a delicate canvas for bold flavors. Choose fresh, plump breasts with minimal visible fat for the best texture.

• Lemon Zest: Brightens the entire dish with its vibrant, citrusy punch and adds aromatic complexity. Grate only the yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated savory depth without raw garlic's sharpness. Look for high-quality, fresh spices with intense aroma.
• Black Pepper: Provides a warm, spicy kick that complements the chicken's mild flavor. Freshly ground pepper offers more robust taste.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the dish. Use kosher or sea salt for better texture and cleaner taste.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish hue. Choose sweet or smoked variety based on preference.

• Olive Oil: Creates a golden, crispy exterior and prevents sticking. Select extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and tenderizes the meat. Fresh-squeezed provides the most vibrant taste.
• Butter: Introduces richness and helps create a luxurious pan sauce. Unsalted butter gives more control over seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that adds color and light flavor. Chop just before serving to maintain brightness.
• Lemon Slices: Offers visual appeal and allows diners to add extra citrus if desired.

Tools To Help Cook Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

• Large skillet: Essential for perfectly searing and cooking chicken breasts with even heat distribution.
• Paper towels: Crucial for drying chicken breasts to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
• Plastic wrap: Needed to pound chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing seasonings and creating the lemon pepper blend.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning spices and salt.
• Meat thermometer: Key tool to check chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and handling meat safely in the skillet.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing and resting chicken after cooking.
• Sharp knife: Useful for zesting lemon, chopping parsley, and slicing lemon garnish.

Step-By-Step For Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

• Chicken Preparation

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. Gently flatten the meat between plastic wrap to create an even surface, allowing for consistent cooking.

• Seasoning Blend

Combine zesty lemon, aromatic garlic powder, rich onion powder, cracked black pepper, and a touch of salt. Massage a splash of olive oil into the chicken, then coat both sides generously with the spice mixture.

• Sizzling Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high flame. Place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking until a beautiful golden crust forms. Flip carefully and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches food-safe levels. During the final moments, splash lemon juice and add a knob of butter, creating a mouthwatering pan sauce.

• Resting and Serving

Allow chicken to rest briefly, helping juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and delicate lemon slices. Pair with vibrant roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips To Add Zing To Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

• Moisture Magic: Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfectly crispy golden-brown exterior that seals in delicious flavors.
• Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano mixed into the seasoning blend for an aromatic flavor enhancement.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional sides with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make this dish keto-friendly and diet-conscious.
• Protein Powerhouse: For a protein-packed meal, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the lemon pepper flavor and keep the meat tender.
• Grill Master Twist: Switch skillet cooking for outdoor grilling by using the same seasoning blend and cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F for a smoky summer-style preparation.

Easy Ways To Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

• Zesty Plate Partners: Pair this lemon pepper chicken with roasted asparagus or green beans for a vibrant, nutritious meal.
• Citrus-Infused Companions: Create a light quinoa or rice pilaf with lemon zest and fresh herbs to complement the chicken's bright flavors.
• Salad Symphony: Toss together a crisp arugula salad with shaved parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's robust seasoning.
• Wine Whisper: Enhance your dining experience with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will beautifully highlight the dish's lemony notes.

How To Store Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast With Ease

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerate for maximum three to four days.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken remains delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm chicken gently in skillet with splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, use microwave with damp paper towel covering chicken to prevent drying. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Meal Prep Approach: Slice leftover chicken for salads, wraps, or quick lunch bowls. Chop into bite-sized pieces for pasta dishes or grain bowls. Keep seasoned chicken versatile by storing without additional sauces until ready to use.

Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent lemon pepper chicken breast emerges as a tantalizing culinary delight from Mediterranean kitchens. Crisp herbs and zesty seasonings create a quick, flavorful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (170 grams or 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 ½ tsps black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• 1 tbsp butter, unsalted (optional, for extra flavor)
• Lemon slices
• Parsley, fresh, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to create an optimal surface for seasoning, then gently flatten between plastic wrap layers to ensure uniform thickness.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Combine lemon zest, garlic and onion powders, cracked black pepper, salt, and optional paprika to create a dynamic spice blend. Massage olive oil onto chicken, thoroughly coating with the seasoning mixture.
3. Searing Technique: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
4. Flavor Enhancement: During the final cooking moments, introduce a luxurious splash of lemon juice and a pat of butter, intensifying the dish’s depth and brightness.
5. Finishing Touch: Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Remove chicken from heat and allow a brief resting period to redistribute internal juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and delicate lemon slices. Serve alongside complementary sides such as roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

• Moisture Removal Technique: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
• Uniform Thickness Strategy: Carefully pound chicken between plastic wrap to create even thickness, guaranteeing consistent cooking and preventing dry edges or undercooked centers.
• Temperature Precision: Use instant-read meat thermometer to verify exact 165°F internal temperature, preventing foodborne illness and maintaining optimal chicken juiciness.
• Flavor Infusion Method: Allow seasoned chicken to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking, enabling spices to penetrate deeper and enhance overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg