Name: Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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When you’re craving a meal that’s easy to whip up, bursting with fresh flavor, and looks as lovely as it tastes, look no further than this Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. Each juicy bite is a sunny spark of citrus and cracked black pepper, balanced with aromatic garlic and a touch of warmth from paprika. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, backyard gatherings, or even impressing your next dinner guest without breaking a sweat. Trust me, this one is destined to become your new go-to!

Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those dishes where simple ingredients become a symphony of flavor. Every element in the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe has its purpose, bringing both freshness and a punch of personality to the plate. Let’s see what you’ll need, and why you’ll love each bit.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they offer a lean, quick-cooking canvas that soaks up all those bright flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and ensures the chicken browns beautifully in the skillet.
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Delivers zesty freshness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma for a lip-smacking finish.
Cracked black pepper: The star spice—its bold, pungent heat makes every bite pop.
Garlic powder: Adds mellow, savory depth without overpowering the citrus zing.
Onion powder: Gives subtle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything bright and balanced.
Paprika: Rounds out the flavors with gentle warmth and a gorgeous golden color.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled over at the end, it brings a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.

How to Make Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Get the Chicken Ready

Lay out your chicken breasts and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness. Even pieces mean even cooking, so you get perfect juiciness every time. Plus, it helps the flavors soak right in!

Step 2: Mix Up the Zesty Seasoning

In a small bowl, stir together the lemon juice, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. The result? A bright, peppery marinade that’s ready to elevate your chicken in no time.

Step 3: Rub and Marinate

Rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast. For a burst of extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for up to two hours in the fridge – but if you’re pressed for time, even 10 minutes makes a difference.

Step 4: Sizzle and Cook

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (the magic number is 165°F or 74°C inside). The kitchen will smell positively mouthwatering!

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for five minutes—this locks in the juices for maximum tenderness. Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and a final touch of flavor, then get ready to enjoy your Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe masterpiece.

How to Serve Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the plate, but don’t stop there! Try lemon slices, extra cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Each finishing touch adds visual appeal and a little flash of added flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs well with a world of sides. Think fluffy rice that soaks up every juicy drip, oven-roasted veggies for color and crunch, or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a cozy twist, garlic mashed potatoes or buttered noodles are always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of greens for a bistro-style salad, or serve it atop a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted asparagus, and a drizzle of extra lemon. For parties, cut the chicken into strips and offer with dipping sauces for a finger-food feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container to lock in moisture and flavor. Sliced or whole, it’s just as wonderful for lunch the next day as it was fresh from the skillet!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the cooked chicken cool, then wrap pieces tightly and tuck into freezer-safe bags. It’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—the fresh, zesty note will still shine.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or lemon juice to keep it from drying out. Or use the microwave on 50 percent power in short bursts, covering the chicken with a damp paper towel. This ensures it stays juicy, not rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—they may take a few minutes longer than breasts, but the result is worth it.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but using fresh lemon juice and zest gives the chicken its vibrant, signature zing. If you can, grab a lemon for the best flavor experience!

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should feel firm but not dry.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Yes, grilling is a fantastic option! Just preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook the chicken as directed. You’ll get those beautiful grill marks and a touch of smoky flavor that take the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe up a notch.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! Make a batch ahead—this chicken stays juicy and flavorful even after reheating. Pack it in salads, wraps, or lunch bowls throughout the week for a bright, healthy meal at your fingertips.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, wholesome, and guaranteed to please just about everyone, the Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and let it brighten up your kitchen—no special occasion required!

Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic spices, and juicy chicken creates a satisfying and light dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, even cooking.
Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and garnish: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.