✨ Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful chicken recipe that’s loaded with zesty citrus and bold cracked pepper, this Lemon Pepper Chicken is the answer. It’s a simple, weeknight-friendly meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with just a few ingredients. Seared to golden perfection, juicy inside, and infused with lemony brightness, it’s the kind of dish that becomes a go-to favorite.
This recipe checks every box for busy cooks: easy prep, fast cook time, minimal cleanup, and crowd-pleasing results. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll love how effortlessly impressive this dish turns out.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples—no fancy items required.
- Bold Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper combine to create a tangy and savory blend.
- Healthy Option: Low-carb, gluten-free, and high in protein.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, potatoes, pasta, veggies, or salad.
- Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well for days and reheats beautifully.
🍛 Ingredients You Will Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts or thighs | 4 pieces | Boneless & skinless for quicker cooking |
| Olive oil or butter | 2 tablespoons | Adds richness and prevents sticking |
| Lemon zest | 2 teaspoons | Use freshly ground for a stronger taste |
| Lemon juice | 3 tablespoons | Adds moisture and flavor |
| Fresh black pepper | 1 tablespoon (cracked) | Use freshly ground for stronger taste |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Deepens the savory flavor |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon | Balances the garlic and pepper |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances all flavors |
💡 Optional Add-ins: Red chili flakes for heat, parsley for garnish, or honey for a sweet touch.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Pound the chicken lightly to ensure even thickness.
- Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper.
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C).
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t move the chicken too soon—let it sear and develop a golden crust.
🍋 Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
- Reduce heat to low.
- Pour lemon juice over the cooked chicken.
- Spoon the pan juices over the top and simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
🧂 Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with lemon slices, parsley, or extra pepper if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf or lemon herb rice
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Simple pasta tossed in butter and garlic
- Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
🥪 Also great for wraps, grain bowls, or sandwiches!
🔄 Bonus: Alternative Cooking Methods
🔥 Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Marinate chicken in lemon juice, oil, and seasoning for 30 minutes.
- Grill on medium-high for 5–6 minutes per side until done.
🔥 Oven-Baked Version
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season and bake chicken in a dish for 20–25 minutes.
- Add lemon juice in the last 5 minutes for the best flavor.
🌬️ Air Fryer Option
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray the basket and cook the chicken for 8–10 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use lemon pepper seasoning instead of fresh ingredients?
A: Yes, but fresh lemon and cracked pepper give a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Reduce salt if using store-bought blends.
Q: Can I meal prep this chicken?
A: Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes, but cook time will be longer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No, but you can make it spicy by adding chili flakes or cayenne.
Q: Is this a healthy dish?
A: Yes! It’s low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free. Perfect for clean eating or keto diets.
🧾 Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
⚠️ Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on portion sizes and ingredients used.
🧠 Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Chicken is everything a home-cooked meal should be: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. With crispy edges and juicy centers, it delivers satisfying flavor from just a few ingredients. Whether you sear it in a skillet or bake it in the oven, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.
