Craving a dish that's bursting with flavor yet simple to make?
Look no further than our lemon pepper chicken!
This zesty, savory delight is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering chicken dish that everyone will love.
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Lemon pepper chicken is a delightful dish that combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the sharp bite of freshly ground black pepper, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s sure to please your taste buds.
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
To make this dish, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and a few basic seasonings.
The lemon juice and zest add a refreshing citrus flavor, while the black pepper provides a subtle heat that complements the chicken beautifully.
A touch of olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious.
One of the best things about lemon pepper chicken is its simplicity. With minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or pasta, toss it into a fresh salad, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.
You can even slice the chicken thinly and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, lemon pepper chicken is sure to be a hit.
Its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make it a staple in any kitchen, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite among home cooks everywhere.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright, tangy flavor: The lemon and pepper combination adds a refreshing zing.
- Quick and easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal prep time.
- Healthy option: Lean chicken with a light seasoning.
- Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like vegetables, rice, or pasta.
- Family-friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Meal prep: Can be made in bulk and stored for future meals.
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Fillets: Cut into bite sized pieces.
- Lemon Juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- All Purpose Flour (Plain Flour)
- Neutral Flavored Oil: Such as vegetable oil.
Instructions
This recipe for lemon pepper chicken recipe serves 4. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.
Step One: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix until the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 5 minutes.
Step Two: Coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
Step Three: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium to high heat. Cook chicken until golden and crisp and cooked through. Once cooked, turn off heat and serve.
Tips for Success
Marinate for Extra Flavor: To enhance the lemony, peppery taste, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $6.15 or $1.54 a serve
Substitutions / Variations
Here are some variations for thislemon pepper chicken recipe:
- Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herb Lemon Pepper Chicken: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Cook in a creamy lemon sauce.
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken: Grill instead of bake for a smoky taste.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways you might like to serve this recipe for lemon pepper chicken:
- Over rice: Serve with steamed or fried rice.
- With pasta: Pair with a simple pasta dish, such as garlic butter noodles.
- In a salad: Slice and add to a fresh green salad.
- With vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables.
- As a sandwich: Slice thin and use in a sandwich or wrap with fresh veggies.
Storage
Store any leftover lemon pepper chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain its moisture and flavor. Or you could reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQ
Lemon pepper seasoning is made of lemon , cracked black pepper, and often includes salt and other spices.
You can put lemon juice on chicken both before cooking (as a marinade) and after cooking (for added flavor).
Lemon pepper seasoning is so good because it combines tangy citrus with sharp pepper, enhancing the flavor of dishes with a bright and zesty kick.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- 750 grams (1.50 pounds) boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup (35 grams, 1.23 ounces) all purpose flour (plain flour), or as needed
- 1 tablespoon neutral flavored oil such as vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix until the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 5 minutes.
- Coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium to high heat. Cook chicken until golden and crisp and cooked through. Once cooked, turn off heat and serve.
Nicole says
Great recipe, thanks for sharing.
Joana says
This is one of the easiest lemon pepper chicken recipes I've ever come across. Definitely a keeper! Thanks.