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
Scale
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.
