Feeling stuck in a chicken rut? If you’ve been cycling through the same plain recipes week after week, it’s time to add a burst of fresh flavor to your dinner rotation. This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken is zesty, savory, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
The juicy, golden-brown chicken is coated in lemon pepper seasoning, then simmered in a simple pan sauce with garlic, butter, and lemon juice. It’s bright, buttery, and pairs well with just about any side dish.
Why You’ll Love It
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Budget-friendly and simple
- Pairs with veggies, pasta, or rice
- Family-approved with a fresh, zesty twist
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Alternatively, you can use store-bought thin-cut breasts or chicken tenders.
2. Season and Coat
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and lemon pepper seasoning. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
5. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt, if needed.
6. Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with black pepper and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Some blends contain salt and some don’t. Check your label and adjust salt in the sauce accordingly.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Optional, but adds an extra layer of flavor. Bottled juice also works fine.
- Butter Swap: For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this lemon pepper chicken with:
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Lemon parsley pasta
- Sauteed spinach or green beans
- Summer vegetable pasta salad
- Rice pilaf or herbed couscous
Make Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: Store cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months (thaw in fridge overnight before reheating).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes. Most lemon pepper seasonings are great for this recipe. If yours is unsalted, you may want to add a small pinch of salt to the sauce.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Not strictly. Bottled lemon juice works in the sauce. Fresh lemon slices make a nice garnish but aren’t required for flavor.
What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temp of 165°F. If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part—there should be no pink.
Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking time slightly, as they may take a little longer to cook through.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on brands used.
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is proof that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. With its zesty lemon-garlic sauce and tender pan-seared chicken, it’s a quick and delicious main course you’ll come back to again and again.