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Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with lemon zest, black pepper, garlic, and spices, then finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
  • In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and lemon zest.
  • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on the first side, depending on thickness.
  • Flip the chicken and continue cooking until the second side is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Pour the fresh lemon juice into the skillet and spoon the lemon-butter mixture over the chicken.
  • Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts vary in size, so cooking time can change. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest give the best flavor.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to help retain its juices.
  • For baked lemon pepper chicken breast, place the seasoned chicken in a lightly greased baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: ~300 kcal
Protein: ~40 g
Carbohydrates: ~3 g
Fat: ~14 g
Saturated Fat: ~4 g
Cholesterol: ~105 mg
Sodium: ~500 mg
Fiber: ~1 g
Sugar: ~1 g