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Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe with juicy chicken, fresh lemon juice, garlic, butter, and cracked pepper for an easy weeknight dinner everyone loves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Citrus juicer
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Zester or fine grater

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps them develop a golden crust while cooking.
  • If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

  • In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Salt
  • Lemon pepper seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides of the chicken.
  • Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors soak in.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place the chicken into the hot skillet and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Avoid moving the chicken around too much. Letting it sit helps create that delicious crust.
  • Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • Reduce the heat to medium.
  • Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Chicken broth
  • Black pepper
  • Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

  • Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
  • Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that flavor.
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Keyword Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe