Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken is a delightful dish that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for company. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s zesty, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it pairs well with various sides, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

How to Make Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total) ($6.79)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour ($0.02)
• 1 Tbsp lemon pepper seasoning ($0.30)
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.04)
• 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.08)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth ($0.07)
• 1 Tbsp butter ($0.14)
• 1 tsp lemon juice ($0.02)
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) ($0.10)
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)

Directions:

1. Use a sharp knife to carefully fillet the chicken breasts into two thinner pieces (or use thin-cut chicken breasts).
2. Combine the flour and lemon pepper seasoning in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the chicken breast pieces and rub it in until the chicken is fully coated.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium. When the skillet and oil are very hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute.
5. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and whisk to dissolve all the browned bits from the bottom. Add the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed (I didn’t add any).
6. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it heat through. Season with a little freshly cracked pepper and fresh chopped parsley (optional), then serve.

Tips to Make Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

• For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the lemon pepper seasoning for about an hour before cooking.
• Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and taste. Frozen chicken can work, but make sure to thaw completely before cooking.
• Adjust the lemon pepper seasoning to your taste, adding more for a zestier kick if you love citrus flavors.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

This dish goes wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad. You can also serve it with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of citrus on top. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Store Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals until heated through.

Variation

Feel free to make this dish even more exciting by adding vegetables to the skillet, like bell peppers or broccoli, during the cooking process. For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream after reducing the broth.

FAQs About Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Skin-on chicken can add a nice crispy texture, but you’ll want to adjust the cooking time as it may take longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or water, but broth will add more flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, store the chicken and sauce separately and reheat before serving.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.

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