If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as lively in flavor as it is quick to make, Red Pepper Lemon Chicken absolutely delivers. This dish features juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, bathed in a zesty lemon sauce with just the right kick from red pepper flakes. Every bite is bright, bold, and surprisingly simple—making it a favorite for busy weeknights or those times when you want to impress with minimal fuss. The best part? Red Pepper Lemon Chicken is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, so it’s a crowd-pleaser no matter who’s gathered around your table.

Red Pepper Lemon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Red Pepper Lemon Chicken is that it relies on everyday ingredients, each playing a role in building layers of flavor and color. From pantry staples like olive oil and smoked paprika, to the fresh brightness of lemon, these components come together to create something truly special.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are ideal for quick, even cooking and soak up the flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and ensures a gorgeous sear on the chicken.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory notes in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of earthy sharpness that balances the citrus and spice.
Crushed red pepper flakes: The star ingredient for gentle heat—feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that makes the flavor deeper and more complex.
Lemon (zest and juice): The zest provides intense citrus aroma, while the juice keeps things fresh and tangy.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings that wonderful, savory base you want in every great chicken recipe.
Chicken broth: Adds extra moisture and depth to the skillet sauce.
Butter: Stirred in at the end, it melts into the pan sauce for a silky, restaurant-worthy finish.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and a pop of herby freshness.
Lemon slices: Not just for looks! They amplify the lemony aroma when served at the table.

How to Make Red Pepper Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy from edge to edge. Taking this extra minute makes a big difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Make the Flavor Paste

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Mix it all together until you have a fragrant, colorful paste. This is where the Red Pepper Lemon Chicken starts to come alive—don’t be shy with the lemon zest!

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Rub the seasoning paste generously over both sides of each chicken breast. Get into every nook and cranny for the best flavor. If you have a little extra time, let the chicken marinate in this mixture for up to 30 minutes—it’s a simple step that deepens the flavors even more.

Step 4: Sear to Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your pan looks a bit dry, add another splash of olive oil. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The outside should develop a beautiful crust while the inside stays moist.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Pan Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where all those concentrated flavors live! Lower the heat, then stir in the butter until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the luscious lemon sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another minute or two. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon slices. Your Red Pepper Lemon Chicken is ready to wow!

How to Serve Red Pepper Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few thin lemon slices are all you need to make Red Pepper Lemon Chicken look as vibrant as it tastes. The herbs add a burst of color and freshness, while the lemon slices bring out the citrusy aroma right at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile—try serving it atop fluffy rice, with roasted potatoes, or alongside simply steamed green beans or asparagus. The bright sauce pairs well with just about anything, so feel free to get creative with your favorite sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy twist, slice the chicken breasts before plating and fan them out over your chosen side. Drizzle with extra sauce and scatter more parsley for a show-stopping presentation. Or, tuck slices into warm pita bread with crisp greens for a zesty Red Pepper Lemon Chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Red Pepper Lemon Chicken cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for easy lunches or a second speedy dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the sauce separately and add fresh parsley and lemon slices after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist. Cover the pan to help the chicken warm through evenly. Microwave reheating works too, but take care not to overcook, as the chicken can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is Red Pepper Lemon Chicken very spicy?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the measured amount of crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply use a bit less—or add more if you love things fiery!

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works in a pinch, though you’ll miss a bit of that smoky flavor. For a similar effect, try adding a tiny dash of chipotle powder or even a touch of liquid smoke.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or a bit more olive oil to keep the sauce luscious and flavorful without any dairy.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part—the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque.

Final Thoughts

Give Red Pepper Lemon Chicken a try and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation. With its zippy citrus, gentle heat, and juicy chicken, it’s a dish that brings people together and always leaves plates clean. Happy cooking!

Red Pepper Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

This vibrant Red Pepper Lemon Chicken features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a zesty lemon and smoky paprika marinade, perfectly balanced by the subtle heat of crushed red pepper flakes. Pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a luscious lemon-butter sauce, this dish is a quick, flavorful, and healthy main course ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Garnish

Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate Chicken: Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. For enhanced flavor, optionally marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil if the skillet is dry. Place chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate deep flavor. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the butter until melted and the sauce slightly thickens.
Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each breast. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken warm through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
This dish pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to prevent uneven cooking.
You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor in the sauce.

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