Zesty Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tucking into a delightful lemon pepper skillet chicken creates instant comfort on busy weeknights.

Aromas of zesty citrus and black pepper dance through your kitchen, promising a meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a velvety sauce that whispers gourmet without complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary protein into something memorable.

Perfectly seasoned and quick to prepare, this dish eliminates mealtime stress while delivering maximum flavor.

Confident home cooks can master this recipe in under thirty minutes, making dinner both exciting and effortless.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing skillet sensation.

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken Q&A

• Why is it important to pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken dry helps create a better sear by removing excess moisture, which allows the chicken to brown more evenly and develop a delicious crispy exterior.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but you’ll need to slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook more quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender and juicy result.

• How do I know if the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking and dryness.

Why Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken Tastes Amazing

• Masterfully Simple Technique: Create restaurant-quality chicken with minimal cooking skills, using basic seasoning and straightforward pan-cooking method that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families needing a delectable meal ready in under an hour, delivering maximum flavor with minimal preparation and cleanup.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable dish that suits multiple dining scenarios from casual family dinners to impressive date nights, appealing to diverse taste preferences with its tangy, creamy profile.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Protein-packed chicken with a luxurious sauce that minimizes kitchen mess, providing a balanced meal featuring lean protein, rich flavors, and easy preparation.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender and thin cuts of chicken that cook quickly and absorb the creamy lemon pepper sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a smooth, golden cooking surface for the chicken.

• Shallot, Garlic: Add depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth, Half and Half: Create a rich and creamy base for the sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and provides a smooth, velvety texture.

• Kosher Salt, Coarsely Ground Pepper: Provide basic seasoning to enhance the chicken's natural taste.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Fresh Lemon Juice: Bring bright, tangy citrus notes to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley, Basil, Lemon Slices: Add fresh color, herbal aroma, and a decorative finish to the skillet chicken.

How To Cook Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken cutlets and gently pat them dry using paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper, creating a delicious base layer of flavor.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken cutlets into the hot pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Minced shallots
• Minced garlic

Sauté until shallots become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful aroma.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce Foundation

Dust flour over the buttery mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This step eliminates any raw flour taste and helps thicken the upcoming sauce.

Step 5: Develop Sauce Layers

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the pan bottom. Whisk in half and half until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Enhance with Bright Flavors

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce. Sprinkle in lemon pepper seasoning, creating a tangy and zesty profile. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling the cutlets into the creamy sauce. Add bright lemon slices for extra visual appeal and flavor.

Step 8: Final Touch and Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Sprinkle additional lemon pepper seasoning if you want an extra kick. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
• Control Seasoning Intensity: Add lemon pepper seasoning at the end to prevent burning and manage flavor strength for a balanced taste.
• Create Smooth Sauce: Whisk half and half thoroughly and cook flour completely to avoid lumpy or raw-tasting sauce.
• Layer Flavor Gradually: Sauté shallots and garlic separately to build depth and prevent burning delicate aromatics.
• Prevent Overcooking Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, stopping at 165°F for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken cutlets.

Fun Takes On Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Gluten-Free Herbal Chicken: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version while maintaining the creamy sauce texture.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Skillet: Swap half and half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream, and use olive oil instead of butter for a lactose-free alternative with Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Zesty Chicken: Eliminate flour completely, using xanthan gum as a thickener, and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal that preserves the original recipe's zesty profile.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Add diced green chilies, replace lemon juice with lime, incorporate chili powder, and garnish with cilantro for a bold southwestern spin on the original chicken skillet recipe.

Best Pairings With Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this creamy lemon pepper chicken with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and complements the bright citrus notes perfectly.
• Hearty Side Selection: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic-parmesan risotto to balance the creamy sauce and add textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Tangy Salad Partner: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the dish's zesty flavor profile and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the rich skillet meal.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Offer crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious lemon pepper sauce, ensuring no flavorful drop goes to waste.

How To Store Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Gently warm the chicken and sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore sauce consistency if needed. Heat until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper skillet chicken brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy sauce will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner companion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• Coarsely ground pepper (to taste)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small shallot (minced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil
• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry chicken cutlets using paper towels, then generously season both surfaces with kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper, avoiding lemon pepper seasoning to prevent burning.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully positioning chicken pieces and cooking 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Work in batches if skillet becomes crowded, then transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Lower heat to medium-low and introduce butter into the pan. Once butter melts completely, gently sauté minced shallots for 1-2 minutes until translucent, then incorporate minced garlic and cook an additional minute.
4. Dust flour across the pan, continuously stirring for approximately 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour’s sharp taste and create a smooth base.
5. Stream chicken broth into the skillet at medium heat, vigorously scraping accumulated browned fragments from pan’s bottom to incorporate rich flavors.
6. Whisk half and half into the liquid until uniformly blended. Increase heat momentarily to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce and allow sauce to simmer until achieving desired thickness.
7. Introduce fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning, tasting and adjusting seasonings for balanced flavor profile.
8. Carefully return chicken pieces and accumulated juices into the skillet, nestling cutlets within sauce. Arrange decorative lemon slices and warm chicken thoroughly.
9. Finish by adorning with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, optionally sprinkling additional lemon pepper seasoning. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Moisture is key for tender chicken, so pat the cutlets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
• Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior without steaming.
• Lemon pepper seasoning burns easily, so add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its bright, zesty flavor and prevent bitterness.
• For a lighter version, swap half and half with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt, and use less butter while maintaining the creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 354 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg