Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Pepper Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With zesty lemon and cracked black pepper, this chicken is both tangy and savory, making it a delicious yet simple meal.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (~250 – 300g / 8 – 10oz each)
• 2 lemons
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1/2 – 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or substitute with onion powder)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut each chicken breast horizontally to make two steaks. For even cooking, optionally pound the chicken to about 1cm (2/5 inch) thickness.
2. Step 2: Zest the lemons to collect 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, taking care not to include the bitter white pith.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix the lemon zest with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken and coat it thoroughly with this mixture using your hands.
4. Step 4: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Step 5: Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6. Step 6: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Optionally, slice the zested lemons and cook the slices in the skillet to serve alongside the chicken.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For juicier chicken, marinate the chicken in the lemon zest and olive oil mixture for 15-30 minutes before coating with flour.
• Adjust the amount of cracked black pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Substitute garlic powder with onion powder if desired for a slightly different flavor.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal fresh and balanced.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. It is best enjoyed fresh but can also be used cold in salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

How do I avoid the chicken becoming dry?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender. Also, avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on the cooking time.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 77 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty lemon, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder, then lightly coated in flour and pan-seared for a flavorful and juicy meal. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts (~250 – 300g / 8 – 10oz each)

Lemon Pepper Marinade

• 2 lemons (for zest and optional slices)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Coating

• 3 tbsp flour
• 1/2 – 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or substitute with onion powder)

Cooking

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for skillet)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner steaks. Optionally, pound the steaks gently to about 1cm (2/5 inch) thickness for even cooking.
2. Make Lemon Zest Mixture: Zest the lemons carefully to gather 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith. Combine the zest with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken into the lemon zest and olive oil mixture, using your hands to thoroughly coat each piece with the oil and zest blend.
4. Prepare Flour Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
5. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat. Shake off any excess flour before cooking.
6. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Optional Lemon Slices: Slice the zested lemons and add to the skillet to cook alongside the chicken for added flavor and presentation, if desired.
8. Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For even cooking thickness, pounding the chicken breasts is recommended but optional.
• Adjust the cracked black pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
• Garlic powder can be substituted with onion powder if preferred.
• Be careful when zesting lemons to avoid the white pith, which is bitter.
• Cooking lemon slices in the skillet adds a lovely aromatic touch but is optional.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, pan-seared chicken, quick chicken recipe, lemon zest chicken, easy chicken dinner