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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and caramelization potential.
- 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.
- 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).
- Resting Phase: Remove chicken from heat, allowing a brief interval for internal juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor preservation.
- 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