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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Combine zesty lemon zest with olive oil in a shallow container, creating a fragrant marinade for the chicken.
- Prepare a crispy coating by mixing flour, panko breadcrumbs, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, salt, dried parsley, and paprika in a separate dish.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat, adding a layer of olive oil to create a perfect searing surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, monitoring the developing crisp texture.
- Introduce bright lemon slices to the pan during the final cooking moments, allowing them to caramelize and intensify the citrusy profile.
- Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring perfectly cooked chicken.
- 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