Simple Lemon Pepper Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Simple Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe—an easy, wholesome meal bursting with citrusy brightness and bold, peppery flavor. Perfectly seasoned boneless chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and onion powders, then pan-seared to golden perfection in butter for a tender, juicy texture. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a quick 20-minute cook time, this dish is ideal for busy schedules while delivering restaurant-quality results. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or your favorite side. Whether you’re meal prepping or seeking a quick and flavorful main course, this lemon pepper chicken is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Once the butter is hot and foamy, place the marinated chicken breasts into the skillet, discarding any excess marinade.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm. Pair with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
407 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.8 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 163 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 617 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.5 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 54.4 g | 109% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 36 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 500 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
