If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavor yet comforting enough for any weeknight dinner, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy lemon pepper sauce that beautifully balances tanginess and richness. Simple but sophisticated, this recipe brings together a handful of pantry essentials to create a meal that feels special every single time you make it. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites for quick, delicious dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial, each playing an important role to make sure your Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is flavorful, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. Simple pantry staples that come together to elevate the dish beyond the ordinary.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise: This ensures quick, even cooking and tender chicken cutlets.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light fruitiness and helps in getting a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided: One tablespoon for searing and one for making the sauce, providing richness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a subtle but necessary aromatic punch to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect, creamy consistency.
- â…” cup chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and moisture to the sauce without overpowering the lemon pepper seasoning.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
- ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning: The star of the show! Delivers that signature tangy, peppery, citrus kick.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets with a pinch of salt and a generous sprinkling of lemon pepper seasoning. Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until each piece reaches a perfect golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juicy flavors and adds wonderful texture. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce Base
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. When it melts, toss in the minced garlic and flour. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the garlic to soften and the flour to cook out its raw taste. This step ensures your sauce will be smooth and rich without any gritty texture.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
Now pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream while whisking to combine all the ingredients seamlessly. Sprinkle in the lemon pepper seasoning for that unmistakable zing. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken up into a creamy, velvety masterpiece that perfectly complements the chicken.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Finish Cooking
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any juices that have accumulated. Let it simmer in the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (aim for 165°F internal temperature). The sauce will further thicken, clinging onto every bite of the tender chicken, creating an irresistible dish that shines with every forkful.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. This finishing touch ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the chicken at its juiciest.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a bright, fresh touch and a pop of color that complements the golden chicken beautifully. For a little extra zest, some lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add an extra squeeze for that lively citrus kick.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil to soak up all the creamy sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli also make lovely accompaniments adding texture and vibrant color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa and drizzle the sauce generously over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few lemon zest curls for a restaurant-worthy finish that will wow your family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain moisture and flavor so your next meal tastes just as good.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and freshness of the dish.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help refresh the sauce and keep the chicken succulent.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is lemon pepper seasoning easy to make at home?
Absolutely! You can make a simple lemon pepper seasoning by combining freshly cracked black pepper with lemon zest and a pinch of salt. It’s fresh, vibrant, and perfect if you want to control the intensity.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free milk for a delicious dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to get the chicken cutlets thin enough?
Using a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts lengthwise or pounding them gently with a meat mallet between sheets of plastic wrap works great to get even, thin cutlets that cook quickly and stay tender.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure the chicken sears properly and the sauce has space to thicken nicely. The flavors hold up really well when scaled.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both fancy and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a busy weeknight. The combination of tender chicken with rich, creamy lemon pepper sauce hits all the right notes for comfort and flavor. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own ultimate go-to lemon pepper chicken dish!
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy lemon pepper sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- â…” cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and lemon pepper seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and all-purpose flour. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux and release the garlic aroma.
- Simmer and Thicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking to ensure a smooth sauce. Stir in the lemon pepper seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return Chicken and Finish: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any juices that have accumulated. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer throughout.
- Serve: Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the lemon pepper chicken immediately, spooning the creamy sauce over the top for a delicious finish.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting and cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
