When life gets busy, I turn to my go-to lemon pepper chicken recipe for a dinner that’s both quick and bursting with flavor. The zesty lemon and bold pepper create a crispy, golden crust on tender chicken that’s impossible to resist. It’s a dish I’ve made countless times for family dinners, and it’s always a hit—even with my pickiest eaters. What I love most is how simple it is: just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, but the results feel like a restaurant-quality meal. Trust me, this lemon pepper chicken recipe is about to become your weeknight lifesaver too.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
This lemon pepper chicken recipe has been my weeknight hero for years, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:
- Lightning-fast prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time means dinner’s ready before the hunger meltdowns start
- Big flavor payoff: That zesty lemon and peppery crust transforms basic chicken into something special
- One-pan wonder: Less dishes means more time for what really matters (hello, Netflix!)
- Crazy versatile: Works with rice, pasta, salads – whatever’s in your fridge
- Kid-approved: My niece calls it “the chicken that tastes like sunshine” (best compliment ever!)
Seriously, this recipe’s the culinary equivalent of that perfect little black dress – simple, reliable, and always makes you look good.
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken
Gather these simple ingredients – I bet most are already in your kitchen! The magic happens when they come together:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons good olive oil (the flavor carrier!)
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning (my secret weapon)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (trust me, don’t skip)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (balances the zing)
- 1 fresh lemon, thinly sliced (for that gorgeous presentation)
- Fresh parsley leaves (about 2 tablespoons chopped)
See? Nothing fussy here. Just real ingredients that make chicken sing. Now grab your baking dish – let’s get cooking!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
Alright, let’s get cooking! This lemon pepper chicken comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This little trick helps the seasoning stick better! Drizzle the olive oil all over the chicken like you’re painting a masterpiece – get both sides nice and coated.
Now comes the fun part – the seasoning! Sprinkle that lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt evenly on both sides. Don’t be shy here – really massage it in with your fingers. I like to pretend I’m giving the chicken a little spa treatment – it makes all the difference!
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish (I use my trusty 9×13 ceramic one) and top each piece with those beautiful lemon slices. The lemons aren’t just pretty – they’ll release amazing juices as they bake!
Pop the dish in the center rack of your oven and set your timer for 25 minutes. At this point, grab your meat thermometer – we want that perfect 165°F (74°C) internal temp. If it’s not quite there yet, give it another 5 minutes. When it’s done, you’ll see those gorgeous golden edges and smell that irresistible lemony aroma.
Final flourish? Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving. Watch how those green flecks make everything look fancy!
Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Here are my tried-and-true secrets to take your lemon pepper chicken from good to “can I have seconds?” amazing:
- Marinate for extra zing: Let chicken sit with lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking (game changer!)
- Fresh is best: Use freshly ground black pepper in your seasoning mix – the flavor difference is unreal
- Butter boost: Add a pat of butter on each chicken breast before baking for extra richness
- Rest time matters: Let chicken sit 5 minutes after baking – it keeps all those delicious juices inside
- Season under the skin: If using bone-in chicken, lift the skin and season directly on the meat for maximum flavor
Little tweaks make all the difference – try one this time and taste the magic!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Pepper Chicken
This lemon pepper chicken plays so nicely with others! My go-to is fluffy jasmine rice to soak up those zesty pan juices – pure comfort. Roasted asparagus or crispy Brussels sprouts make perfect veggie partners. For summer nights, toss it over a fresh arugula salad with shaved parmesan. Leftovers? Shred it into tacos tomorrow – so good!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Variations
Want to mix it up? Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness, or add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbal twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap lemon slices for orange or lime – each brings its own zesty personality. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Lemon Pepper Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. For the freezer, wrap individual portions tightly in foil – they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pro tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when reheating to bring back that bright flavor!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe FAQs
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Absolutely! I love the smoky char from grilling. Just brush your grill grates with oil first, then cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. The lemon slices might fall through, so save those for garnish after cooking.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
No worries – make your own! Mix 1 tablespoon lemon zest with 2 teaspoons black pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Bonus: add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of sugar. It’s actually fresher tasting than store-bought!
How do I know when the chicken’s done?
That meat thermometer is your best friend – 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. No thermometer? Cut into the thickest piece – juices should run clear, not pink.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
I recommend thawing first for even cooking, but in a pinch, add 10-15 minutes to baking time. Just check that internal temp – frozen chicken tends to dry out easier.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check your lemon pepper seasoning blend – some brands add wheat-based anti-caking agents. When in doubt, make your own mix (see above).
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the gist of what you’re getting with this lemon pepper chicken: It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken breasts, healthy fats from that good olive oil, and just enough zesty flavor to make healthy eating actually enjoyable. The exact numbers can wiggle a bit depending on your chicken size and specific brands of ingredients – that’s just kitchen math for you!
A little disclaimer from my home kitchen to yours: These nutritional estimates are just that – estimates. Your mileage may vary based on how much seasoning you use (I won’t judge if you go heavy on the lemon pepper!) or whether you add that optional butter pat. The important thing? You’re eating real food made with love, and that’s always good for the soul.
Share Your Experience
Did you make this lemon pepper chicken? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below or snap a photo – your kitchen adventures inspire mine! You can find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.
Print
25-Minute Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe That Always Delights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and flavorful lemon pepper chicken recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The zesty lemon and bold pepper create a delicious crust on tender chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt evenly on both sides.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with rice or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken
