This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the bright zest of lemon with the bold kick of black pepper. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, then finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you're craving a fresh, citrusy twist on classic chicken.
Full Recipe:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs total)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Prepare the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Alternatively, you can use pre-sliced thin-cut chicken breasts.
Season the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Add the unsalted butter and stir until melted and the sauce is well combined.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the lemon pepper chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg