Lemon Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, juicy chicken dish featuring perfectly seasoned chicken breasts cooked with a zesty, garlicky lemon butter sauce. The dish is easy to make, with simple ingredients that pack a punch, making it an ideal meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Pepper Chicken combines the bright, citrusy flavors of lemon with the boldness of lemon pepper seasoning for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The pan-seared chicken is complemented by a rich garlic lemon butter sauce, creating a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Whether served over rice, with vegetables, or on its own, this recipe offers a quick yet gourmet meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the lemon pepper chicken:
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2 large chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
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1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or flour of choice)
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1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For the sauce:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
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¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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Optional: garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cut the chicken:
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Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
2. Mix the seasoning:
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In a small bowl, combine the arrowroot powder (or your chosen flour), lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
3. Season the chicken:
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Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it in gently with your hands.
4. Cook the chicken:
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then flip over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160°F to 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
5. Make the sauce:
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In the same pan, add the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, and allow the sauce to reduce for 1-2 minutes.
6. Finish and serve:
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Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with lemon zest, and optionally, chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach to round out the meal.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
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Creamy Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end to make a creamy lemon pepper sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to keep any extra sauce as well.
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Freezing: Freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
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Reheating: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm gently on the stovetop.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook than breasts.
What can I serve this dish with?
Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad.
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh lemon juice is preferred as it adds a brighter, more natural flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F to 165°F when fully cooked.
Can I make the sauce creamy?
Yes! To make a creamy lemon pepper sauce, simply stir in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use any flour of your choice. Arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or all-purpose flour all work well.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can season the chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to cook it fresh for the juiciest result.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
You can use a combination of lemon zest, black pepper, and a little garlic powder as a substitute for lemon pepper seasoning.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just ensure that your pan is large enough to cook the chicken in batches if needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use arrowroot powder or cornstarch instead of flour.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Chicken is a quick, flavorful meal that delivers a satisfying balance of citrusy brightness and savory goodness. The juicy chicken breasts paired with the rich garlic-lemon butter sauce create a dish that’s both easy to make and delicious. With a few simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a flavorful, gourmet meal in a short amount of time.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Lemon Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. This recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the boldness of lemon pepper seasoning, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that pairs well with your favorite sides. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish can be ready in just under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- For the lemon pepper chicken:
-
2 large chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
-
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or flour of choice)
-
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- For the sauce:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
-
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest
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Optional: garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices
Instructions
Cut the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine arrowroot powder (or flour), lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken and press it in with your hands to coat the chicken thoroughly.
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160-165°F. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Make the sauce: In the same pan, add the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, and reduce the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and garnish with lemon zest. Optionally, add freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for extra flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
