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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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