Lemon Pepper Chicken: 7 Reasons It’s Your New Go-To Dish!

What is the Best Chicken Recipe you’ve ever seen? What are some of the best foods that everyone eats? What is your review of Lemon Pepper Chicken? What is that tangy kick of lemon that just wakes up your taste buds? What is the subtle warmth of pepper? Think of it like your usual baked chicken breast, but with a major flavor upgrade. What is your go-to recipe? I remember the first time I made this. My husband, who’s usually a “meh” about chicken, went back for seconds. How did I know I had a winner? Is it ready in 30 minutes?

What is lemon pepper chicken?

Think of Lemon Pepper Chicken as the sophisticated cousin of your average Baked Chicken. It’s essentially chicken – usually boneless, skinless breasts, marinated or coated in a zesty blend of spices. Lemon juice, lemon zest, and freshly cracked black pepper. Some recipes use a little garlic, and others might have herbs, but the real magic is in the ingredients. What is that citrusy-peppery punch? What is the flavor of lemon pepper chicken? Is it quick, easy, and incredibly versatile? Can be baked, pan-fried, grilled, air-fry – whatever method suits your mood and taste. Is it one of those dishes that sounds fancy but is ridiculously simple to throw together? Is it a lifesaver on busy days?

How do I make lemon pepper chicken?

Quick Overview

How do I make Lemon Pepper Chicken? How do I make a marinade with lemon juice, lemon zest, pepper, garlic, and salt? What are some other goodies? If you’re going to cook a chicken for 30 minutes, you can let it soak up all that flavor for at least 10 minutes. ) Finally, you’ll bake, grill or air fry it until it’s juicy and cooked through. The best part? It takes just minutes of prep work and the oven does most of the heavy lifting. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required! How do you cook chicken?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Lemon Pepper Chicken?
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). How do I get chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly?
* 2 tablespoons olive oil. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for the flavor, but you can use any oil you have on hand.
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) is a must! What makes a difference?
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from those same lemons). Zesting before juicing is easier!
* 2 tablespoons freshly cracked Black Pepper. Pre-ground pepper just doesn’t have the same kick.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. I love using a garlic press for this.
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano. You could also use Italian seasoning if you have that.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust to your taste.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat). I like to add a pinch of salt to my diet for extra kick!

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper makes cleanup so much easier! I’ve tried both methods, and parchment paper is definitely my go-to. Make sure the dish is big enough to fit all the Chicken Breasts without overcrowding them.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, black pepper, minced garlic and salt. Set aside. Garlic, dried oregano, salt, and Red Pepper flakes (if using). What are some of the best flavors to make sure everything is well combined? How do you get that lemon pepper flavor?

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. How do I marinate chicken? Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be! I often let it marinate for a couple of hours, or even overnight.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Remove chicken from refrigerator and place it in the prepared baking dish. Discard any remaining marinade. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If you overcook your chicken, it will get dry. Keep an eye on it!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and Flavorful Chicken. Garnish with extra lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper. I sometimes add a sprig of parsley to my salad.

What should I serve it with?

Lemon Pepper Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different sides! Is it a perfect match for lighter dishes? What are the best places to eat

What are some quick and easy dinner ideas for a weeknight?What are the best ways to roast asparagus or broccoli? The slight bitterness of the veggies complements the lemon and pepper beautifully. I love to serve this with quinoa or Rice Pilaf. Is it healthy, filling, and easy to prepare?

For a more elegant meal:What are some of the best mashed potatoes recipes? Add a side of sautéed spinach or Green Beans for some extra greens. What is a lighter salad with lemon vinaigrette? The acidity of the dressing will enhance the flavors of chicken.

For a Casual Lunch:How do you slice chicken and serve it in sandwiches or wraps? What are some good healthy side dishes to serve with Greek yogurt? Is it safe to shred avocado and toss with salad?

What are some good side dishes to serve with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and a side of steamed green beans? The sweetness of the potatoes balances the tangy chicken perfectly, and the green beans add a nice flavor. What is your favorite lemon pepper chicken recipe?

How do I make a lemon pepper chicken?

I’ve made this Lemon Pepper Chicken more times than I can count, so I have definitely picked up on it. What are some tricks along the way? How do I make it perfect?

Fresh is Best:How do I use fresh lemon juice and zest whenever possible? Is this flavor better than bottled stuff?

Don’t skimp on the pepper: It’s aWhat’s the best way to use black pepper in a dish? Freshly cracked pepper is always the best option, as it has more flavor and aroma.

How long should I marinate?The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for 30 minutes, but a few hours or even overnight is even better. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated.

Don’t overco Overcooked chicken is dry and tough, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). I always start checking a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Let it Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

Get creative with variations: What are some examples? Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A little bit of thyme, rosemary, or paprika can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. You can also add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the marinade for extra moisture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

So, you’ve made a batch of this delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken, but you have leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep it tasting its best:

Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, and you don’t want to risk food poisoning. I know, it’s tempting to just leave it out on the counter, but trust me, it’s not worth it.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it. I like to use glass containers because they don’t absorb odors as easily as plastic ones.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the microwave, heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop, heat a little oil in a pan and cook the chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Okay, friend, I truly hope you give this Lemon Pepper Chicken a try! It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple yet so satisfying. The flavor is just incredible – that bright, tangy lemon paired with the warm, peppery spice is seriously addictive. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re a fan of easy chicken recipes that are packed with flavor, you’re going to love this one! I also have a Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe that you can also love. Now, I want to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What did you think? What variations did you try? Let me know in the comments below! And if you loved it, be sure to give it a rating! Happy cooking!

Lemon Pepper Chicken

A flavorful and easy Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken Breasts Boneless, skinless
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp Lemon Zest From one lemon
• 1 tbsp Black Pepper Coarsely ground
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
• Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the lemon pepper mixture over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or rice.