Bright, zesty, and absolutely irresistible, Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast has long been one of my weeknight go-tos for a simple yet flavorful meal. The combination of tangy lemon, cracked black pepper, and juicy chicken creates that sunny, fresh-from-the-skillet flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re looking for a stand-out main for family dinner or an easy meal-prep hero, this recipe delivers reliable, mouthwatering results every time.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh ingredients to make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast shine. Each component has its own special role, working together to bring out the juiciness of the chicken and that signature lemony zing.

Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for maximum tenderness and quick cooking—perfect for busy nights.
Olive Oil: Ensures the chicken cooks up moist and flavorful, and helps all the seasonings stick beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed gives this dish its vibrant tang and keeps the chicken wonderfully juicy.
Lemon Zest: Adds a fragrant kick of citrus oil you simply can’t get from juice alone—don’t skip it!
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The real star here; use coarsely ground for a punchy bite and that classic flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the citrus notes—just enough to make the flavor pop.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the seasoning with sweet, mellow undertones.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the flavors and making sure every bite is seasoned to perfection.
Lemon Slices & Chopped Parsley (optional): For a fresh, beautiful garnish that hints at the bright flavors inside.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, tucked between two sheets of plastic wrap. This simple step is the secret to quick, even cooking and ensures every bite of your Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is juicy and tender, not dry or rubbery.

Step 2: Mix Up the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined. This fragrant mixture is quick to make and absolutely explodes with flavor—your kitchen will start to smell amazing immediately!

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Rub the lemon pepper marinade generously over both sides of each chicken breast, massaging it in so that every nook and cranny gets coated. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes; it makes the flavors even bolder and the meat extra juicy, though even a quick rub does wonders.

Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little extra olive oil if your pan needs it. Once hot, lay the chicken breasts in and listen to that satisfying sizzle. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once, until deep golden and the internal temperature reads 165°F. The aroma will make it hard to wait!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Transfer the cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes—this keeps all those lovely juices locked inside. Before serving, add a shower of chopped parsley and a few slices of lemon for a fresh, eye-catching finish.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

Garnishes

I love topping each chicken breast with a scattering of vibrant chopped parsley and a couple of thin lemon slices. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it highlights the citrusy notes and makes your plate look instantly restaurant-worthy. A drizzle of any pan juices is always welcome, too!

Side Dishes

This dish is brilliantly versatile, so you can pair it with almost anything. Roasted vegetables, garlic green beans, herbed rice, or a bright arugula salad all match up beautifully with Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast, balancing the tangy protein with satisfying sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken breasts and layering them on top of a grain bowl or creamy polenta for a modern twist. They’re also fantastic tucked into wraps with mixed greens, or chilled and thinly sliced for a zippy chicken salad—the lemon pepper flavor holds up beautifully hot or cold!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days, perfect for meal-prepped lunches or an easy second dinner.

Freezing

These chicken breasts freeze fabulously! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each piece with parchment to avoid sticking. They’ll stay tasty for up to three months, making them an excellent make-ahead main.

Reheating

To reheat Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast, gently warm it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and zap in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cook time slightly as they may take a bit longer—make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?

While marinating for 30 minutes boosts the flavor, you’ll still get delicious results if you skip it. The lemon and spices soak in quickly, so this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is truly weeknight-friendly.

Does this recipe work on the grill?

It sure does! Grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side. The smoky char adds another layer to the lemon pepper magic—just brush with extra marinade as it cooks for more flavor.

How do I keep the chicken breasts juicy?

Even thickness is key, as is not overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken off the heat as soon as it hits 165°F, then let it rest before slicing. This preserves that tender, juicy texture every time.

Is Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low carb, making it suitable for a range of diets. Just check your spice labels to be certain if you’re highly sensitive to gluten.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of a reliably delicious, vibrant meal that comes together in a flash, give this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast a spot on your weeknight roster. I have a hunch it’ll find its way into regular rotation—happy cooking and even happier eating!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon and peppery seasoning give the chicken a bright and aromatic flavor. With simple ingredients and easy stovetop cooking, this recipe is a go-to for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

lemon slices
chopped parsley

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Instructions

Pound the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil if needed and place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and parsley if desired.

Notes

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in the lemon pepper mixture before cooking.
This dish also grills well. Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, or rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American