Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic, and this recipe is easy to make in about 30 minutes with just one pan. The seasoned chicken is browned and simmered in a lightly buttery pan sauce flavored with fresh lemon. It’s one of those recipes that doubles as an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
I love this recipe because it uses simple ingredients, is easy to prep, and cooks in one pan. Plus, it goes with so many side dishes you can make it on repeat and never get bored.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: For the best results, pound the chicken so each is an even thickness. This tenderizes it and ensures even cooking.
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Unsalted butter
- Lemon zest and juice
How to Make It
It’s easy to prep in about 10 minutes, and from there, it all comes together in one pan. First, you brown tender and juicy lemon pepper-seasoned chicken breasts, and then you make a simple pan sauce with the rest of the ingredients. Pair this lemony-peppery chicken with all the side dishes – it goes with so many things.
Chicken Recipes
Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies | Balsamic Chicken | Breaded Chicken | Tuscan Chicken Penne
Simple Lemon Pepper Chicken
This lemon pepper chicken is easy to make with one pan. Seasoned chicken is simmered in a simple pan sauce loaded with fresh lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with the lemon pepper and salt.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook the pieces on both sides for four to five minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds to a minute before adding the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the pan as you add the broth.
- Add the butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir until the butter is melted, then return the chicken breasts to the pan.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce, spooning the sauce over the top of them for one to two minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce has thickened a bit.
- Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
You can also use the same amount of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe.
Leftover lemon pepper chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. You can reheat the sauce and chicken on the stove or in the microwave. The leftover chicken is also great cold – slice it up and use it to make sandwiches or toss it in a salad lunch.
You can freeze the chicken and sauce, too. Cool them to room temperature and store them in a freezer-safe container for three months. Thaw the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator for the best reheating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 216.7mg
- Fat: 15.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2.3g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 26.4g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
Side Dish Ideas
I love this recipe because it goes with so many side dishes – here are a few of my favorites you might like to try:
- Vegetables: Try Parmesan potatoes, sauteed green beans, or lemon honey carrots. The sauce is also great with some creamy mashed potatoes.
- Bread: Add some garlic toast or grilled Parmesan bread on the side.
- Rice and Pasta: Plain white rice or brown rice works great with the lemon sauce. Or add some buttered noodles for an extra dose of goodness.
More Dinner Ideas
Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Here are a few more of my favorite recipes:
If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe, I hope you try this lemon pepper chicken soon. It’s so easy and delicious.
Happy cooking,
