Zesty Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Loves

Succulent chicken breasts dance with zesty lemon pepper seasoning, creating a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Each bite promises a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat.

The golden-brown crust crackles with aromatic spices, hinting at culinary magic waiting to unfold.

Salt and pepper provide classic undertones while lemon adds bright, tangy notes.

This recipe turns a simple protein into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this foolproof method that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Prepare to savor every delectable morsel of this irresistible chicken sensation.

How to Cook Tender Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts

• Dry and Prep Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This simple trick helps create a beautiful golden exterior and locks in those amazing flavors.

• Create Zesty Seasoning Blend

Mix together fresh lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, bold lemon pepper seasoning, aromatic garlic powder, and a tiny pinch of salt. Massage this vibrant mixture all over the chicken, covering every delicious inch.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Fire up a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Once the pan is hot, gently place your seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden-brown crust and the internal temperature hits 165F. This guarantees juicy, tender chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Rest and Garnish

Pull the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few moments. This crucial pause allows those incredible juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Add Some Zing with Flavorful Variations

• Tender Chicken Perfection: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in maximum flavor.
• Temperature Mastery: Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing juicy, safe-to-eat chicken without overcooking.
• Flavor Boost Techniques: Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to intensify lemon pepper seasoning and enhance overall taste profile.
• Diet-Friendly Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts with tofu, turkey breast, or cauliflower steaks for vegetarian and low-carb options that maintain similar seasoning and cooking method.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra lemon pepper chicken to use in salads, wraps, grain bowls, or pasta dishes throughout the week, making meal planning effortless and delicious.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Serving Tips

• Zesty Dinner Companion: Pair the lemon pepper chicken with fluffy quinoa or herbed rice to soak up those amazing citrusy juices.
• Fresh Side Kick: Create a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber and a light lemon vinaigrette that complements the chicken's bright flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Twist: Serve alongside roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious plate that enhances the chicken's tangy seasoning.
• Quick Protein Boost: Slice the chicken and toss into a wrap with fresh spinach, a touch of cream cheese, and extra lemon pepper seasoning for a quick lunch option that transforms your main dish into a versatile meal.

Best Ways to Save Chicken Breasts for Later

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftover lemon pepper chicken breast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm chicken slices in microwave using 30-second intervals, drizzling 1 tablespoon water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Slice chicken into strips, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Batch cook multiple chicken breasts during weekend. Slice and portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pair with salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 4

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, firm cuts with minimal visible fat for succulent results.
• Paper Towel: Essential for removing excess moisture to achieve perfect golden sear.

• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that elevate the chicken's natural flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds vibrant, tangy undertone.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Classic spice mix that delivers zesty, peppery punch.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic warmth and complexity.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps season meat evenly.

• Olive Oil: High-quality fat for creating crispy, golden exterior.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that introduces fresh, herbaceous brightness.
• Skillet: Ideal surface for achieving even, consistent browning.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial tool for checking safe internal chicken temperature.

Tools That Help With Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing and cooking chicken evenly with direct heat.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Small Bowl: Needed for mixing seasonings and creating marinade.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning measurements.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken safely and precisely during cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: Critical for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Cutting Board: Used for preparing and resting chicken after cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for zesting lemon and cutting fresh parsley for garnish.

Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon pepper chicken breast delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired main course with tangy citrus notes. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner for home cooks seeking bold flavor.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (6 oz/170 g each)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tsps black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Parsley, fresh, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and caramelization potential.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Blend lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt into a cohesive, aromatic mixture, thoroughly coating each chicken breast with the vibrant marinade.
3. Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully positioning seasoned chicken breasts to develop a rich, golden-brown crust, cooking approximately 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
4. Resting Phase: Remove chicken from heat, allowing a brief interval for internal juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor preservation.
5. Garnish: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface, introducing a bright, herbaceous visual and flavor element to complete the dish.

Notes

• Pat Dry for Crispy Perfection: Remove all moisture from chicken breasts using paper towels to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Balanced Seasoning Technique: Mix lemon zest, juice, and pepper evenly to create a uniform coating that penetrates the chicken with bright, zesty notes without overwhelming the meat.
• Heat Management Matters: Use medium-high heat to create a perfect sear without burning the seasoning, allowing the chicken to develop a beautiful caramelized crust while staying juicy inside.
• Rest and Redistribute Juices: Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute internal moisture, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg