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Freshly cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts garnished with parsley and served in a skillet with lemon slices, showcasing a golden, juicy, and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner recipe.

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

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Zesty lemon pepper chicken breast: a 30-minute, flavorful dish seasoned with lemon, pepper, and olive oil, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 chicken breasts
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Substitution Options
  • Use chicken thighs for a more tender cut
  • Replace olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking
  • Swap fresh lemon juice with bottled for convenience
Equipment
  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Prep the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior
  2. Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness
  3. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry edges
Season the Chicken
  1. Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil
  2. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly
  3. Gently massage seasonings into the meat
  4. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb flavors
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
  2. Add chicken breasts, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side
  3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
  4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 26gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 320mg

Notes

  • Best served immediately after cooking
  • For extra juiciness, brine chicken for 30 minutes before cooking
  • Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
  • Adjust cooking time for different chicken thickness
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature
  • Homemade lemon pepper seasoning can be used as a substitute
  • Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before cooking
 

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