Description
Whipping up lemon pepper chicken takes just minutes and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Crispy, zesty chicken breasts seasoned with tangy lemon and sharp black pepper will make your dinner table shine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
Instructions
- Mix 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle this seasoning blend over your chicken breasts, coating each side evenly.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil into a large skillet, heating it over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers and looks slightly rippled.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Listen for that satisfying sizzle when the meat touches the pan.
- Cook the chicken for exactly 5-7 minutes on the first side, watching for a deep golden-brown crust to form. Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much.
- Flip the chicken and cook the second side for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Squeeze 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice over the chicken during the last minute of cooking to brighten the flavors.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes so the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herb taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Zest the lemon before juicing it to maximize flavor and make the most of your citrus.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe cooking without overdrying.
- For a gluten-free version, skip any flour coating and rely on direct seasoning for flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 207 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg