Zesty Delight: How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Juice

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Lemon Pepper Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the tang of lemon and warmth of pepper for a healthy, delicious meal. It’s a wonderful marriage for so many proteins. Paired with some white rice and fresh grilled veggies, you will love this meal all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe elevates your cooking game.

Why Make Lemon Pepper Chicken?

There are numerous reasons to fall in love with Lemon Pepper Chicken.

  • Fresh: This recipe uses fresh lemon and pepper (no premix seasoning needed!)
  • Easy To Make: Have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Meal Prep Friendly.
  • Healthy: This meal is very clean and healthy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious lemon pepper chicken:

  • Chicken Breasts: 2 lb, halved, boneless/skinless. You can also use chicken thighs. If you can only find smaller chicken breasts, you can alternatively use four smaller pieces and pound them flatter.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon is the key to success in this recipe. You’ll need 3-4 Tbsp lemon zest, more as needed and ⅓ cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed, more as needed (about 3 lemons).
  • Fresh Black Pepper: 2 Tbsp fresh cracked black pepper, more as needed.
  • Onion: ½ white onion, quartered.
  • Garlic: 3 garlic cloves, minced.
  • Olive Oil: 2 Tbsp.
  • Flour: 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour. You can use cornstarch or arrowroot flour if you’re gluten-free.
  • Salt: ½ tsp, more as needed.
  • Butter: 1 Tbsp.
  • Chicken Broth: ½ cup.

Optional

  • Grilled asparagus
  • Long grain white rice
  • Freshly chopped parsley
  • Lemon slices
  • Garlic powder

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Lemon zester or microplane
  • Large pan
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Sheet pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are a few popular methods:

Method 1: Grill

  1. Slice the chicken breasts in half for a quicker cook. Add them to a large bowl, add the onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, and cracked black pepper, massage and mix well into the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours max.
  2. Once the lemon pepper chicken has had a bit to marinate, start the rice or any veggie sides you are serving.
  3. Add the chicken to a preheated grill (400º) on medium heat and cook for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through at least once. Be sure to cook until internal temp reaches 165ºF. Flip the breasts a few times to make an even cook on the grill.
  4. Let the chicken rest for a bit. Add any additional zest, lemon juice, or cracked pepper if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Method 2: Oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Add the chicken to a sheet pan, and add the onions and garlic if desired. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until an internal temp reaches 165ºF.
  2. Let the chicken rest for a bit. Add any additional zest, lemon juice, or cracked pepper if desired.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

Method 3: Skillet

  1. Use a sharp knife to carefully fillet two boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thinner pieces.
  2. Combine 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour and 1 Tbsp lemon pepper seasoning in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the chicken pieces.
  3. Smear the flour mixture over both sides of the chicken until they’re evenly coated.
  4. Heat 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a skillet over medium. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook on both sides until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
  5. Add 1 Tbsp butter and one minced clove of garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about one minute.
  6. Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the skillet and whisk to dissolve all the browned bits off the bottom. Add 1 tsp lemon juice to the broth, then let the broth simmer in the skillet for 3-5 minutes, or until it has reduced just slightly. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to heat through (a few minutes).

Method 4: Baked

  1. Preheat oven to 360F/180C. In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Set aside.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Rub with olive oil all over and drizzle with lemon juice.
  3. Rub chicken on all sides with the lemon pepper mixture.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside but still tender.
  5. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken

  • Marinate with Perfection: Marinating the chicken perfectly will yield the best results, so you must mix everything well. Also, ensure that all the chicken pieces are well-covered with the marinade on both sides. Allow the marination to rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking, as this will allow the chicken to soak up all the goodness and give you the juiciest Lemon Pepper Chicken.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken! Always use a digital thermometer for the best-cooked chicken.
  • Taste as you go. You may want extra lemon zest and pepper.
  • Add your favorite seasonings to the chicken. Lemon pepper is versatile. Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes; even dried basil would be great.
  • If you want an extra “oomph” of flavor, brush a little soy sauce on the finished chicken before serving.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain the right temperature for optimal cooking.
  • Infuse the oil with flavors: Before searing the chicken in the oil, let the whole spices infuse their aromatic flavors into it. Let them pop into the oil for 5-10 seconds, stirring occasionally. This will further enhance the flavors of the chicken, infusing it with aromatic deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Pepper Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

  • Grilled Asparagus
  • Rice
  • Seasonal Veggies
  • Chopped Parsley
  • Lemon Slices

Can You Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can pre-marinate the chicken (up to 24 hours ahead of time). You can also precook the chicken and reheat it when ready to serve.

Is Lemon Pepper Chicken Healthy?

Yes. This meal is very clean and healthy. It’s made with fresh lemon and fresh black pepper, so you can control the sodium and rest assured it’s a flavorful healthy meal.

Enjoy this zesty and delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe!