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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg