Quick & Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a delightful lemon pepper chicken recipe brings zest and excitement to your dinner table.

Bright citrus notes dance perfectly with cracked black pepper, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

Weeknight meals demand something simple yet spectacular, and this dish delivers exactly that.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward techniques that produce maximum taste with minimal effort.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings turn ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each bite promises a burst of tangy, aromatic goodness that will make you feel like a professional chef.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making this mouthwatering meal that everyone will absolutely adore.

How To Store Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Properly

• Seal lemon pepper chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual chicken cutlets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label bags with date and contents.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent dryness. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil.

FAQs For Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking and crispy breading.

• Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Substitute the flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

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

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking to save preparation time.

Why Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Is So Bold

• Burst with Flavor: Lemon zest and black pepper create a mouthwatering combination that transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, bold meal.
• Quick Kitchen Victory: Prepare this dish in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The crispy breading and bright citrus notes make this chicken a guaranteed hit for family dinners, gatherings, or weeknight meals that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve alongside salads, roasted vegetables, or rice to create a complete and satisfying meal that adapts to different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender, thin slices of chicken perfect for crispy breading and quick cooking.
• Lemons: Fresh citrus that provides bright, zesty flavor and aromatic lemon zest.

• Flour, Panko Bread Crumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that adds delightful texture to the chicken.
• Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley, Paprika: Blend of spices that deliver robust and complex seasoning.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Slices, Salt: Essential for cooking, caramelizing, and enhancing overall flavor profile of the dish.

Steps To Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Lemon-Infused Oil

Grab a small bowl and combine olive oil with fresh lemon zest. This magical mixture will give your chicken an incredible burst of citrusy flavor. Set the bowl aside and let those zesty notes mingle.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• Flour
• Panko bread crumbs
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Dried parsley
• Paprika

Blend these ingredients until they form a perfectly seasoned breading that will make your chicken irresistibly crunchy.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Warm a large deep skillet over medium heat. Pour in the remaining olive oil, creating a sizzling surface ready for your chicken.

Step 4: Dress the Chicken

Dunk each chicken cutlet into the lemon-infused oil, ensuring both sides get a luxurious coating. Next, roll the oiled cutlet through the seasoned breading mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick perfectly. Transfer the breaded cutlets to a clean plate.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Caramelized Lemon Slices

During the final cooking moments, toss lemon slices into the pan. Watch them caramelize and release their sweet, tangy essence alongside the chicken.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This guarantees both safety and juiciness.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a cooling rack. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to lock in those delicious juices. Slice and serve immediately while still warm and crispy.

Pro Tips For Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Maximize Lemon Zest Impact: Grate lemon zest finely to distribute intense citrus flavor evenly across the chicken coating.
• Perfect Breading Technique: Press the breading mixture firmly onto chicken cutlets to create a crispy, well-adhered crust that won't fall off during cooking.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use medium heat to ensure golden-brown exterior without burning the delicate breading or undercooking the chicken.
• Rest for Juiciness: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and preventing dry texture.
• Fresh Lemon Garnish: Caramelize lemon slices in the same pan for an extra burst of flavor and beautiful presentation on the final dish.

Ways To Change Up Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Herb-Crusted Chicken Variation: Replace panko with crushed herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style coating.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use ground pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and omit flour for a keto-friendly chicken recipe that maintains crispy texture.

Pairings That Go With Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Zesty Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the bright lemon notes and cuts through the chicken's richness, creating a refreshing flavor harmony.
• Herbal Side Companion: Fresh Greek salad with cucumber, feta, and oregano adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, peppery chicken, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Citrus-Friendly Beverage: Sparkling lemonade with a hint of mint provides a light, effervescent drink that echoes the recipe's lemony profile and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Texture-Enhancing Carb: Garlic roasted quinoa with parsley brings a nutty, light grain that absorbs the chicken's zesty juices while adding a complementary textural element.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20-21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon pepper chicken brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Crispy golden skin and tangy herb-infused marinade promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breast cutlets (or 2 chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise)

Coating Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Liquid and Garnish Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) olive oil
• Zest of 3 lemons
• 1 lemon (cut into 1/4-inch thick slices)

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Instructions

1. Combine zesty lemon zest with olive oil in a shallow container, creating a fragrant marinade for the chicken.
2. Prepare a crispy coating by mixing flour, panko breadcrumbs, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, salt, dried parsley, and paprika in a separate dish.
3. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, adding a layer of olive oil to create a perfect searing surface.
4. Lovingly coat each chicken cutlet in the lemon-infused oil, ensuring complete coverage, then generously dredge in the seasoned breading mixture for maximum flavor and crunch.
5. Carefully place the breaded cutlets into the hot skillet, allowing them to sizzle and develop a golden-brown exterior for 5-6 minutes on the first side.
6. Gently flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, monitoring the developing crisp texture.
7. Introduce bright lemon slices to the pan during the final cooking moments, allowing them to caramelize and intensify the citrusy profile.
8. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring perfectly cooked chicken.
9. Transfer the golden cutlets to a cooling rack, letting them rest briefly to redistribute the juices and maintain maximum succulence before serving.

Notes

• Achieve a perfectly crispy exterior by ensuring the chicken is thoroughly dried before coating with lemon oil and breading.
• Customize the breading by adjusting spice levels or swapping panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is cooked precisely without overcooking, maintaining juicy and tender texture.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breading mixture for an extra aromatic twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-11 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg