Description
Zesty lemon pepper chicken breast delivers a tantalizing symphony of citrus and spice. Crispy exterior and juicy interior promise a quick, flavorful meal you’ll crave time and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 170 grams or 6 ounces each)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Liquids and Fats:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Purge excess moisture from chicken breasts using paper towels, creating a pristine surface for seasoning.
- Position chicken between plastic wrap layers and gently flatten to uniform thickness, promoting consistent heat distribution and tender texture.
- Craft a vibrant seasoning blend by combining zesty lemon essence, aromatic garlic and onion powders, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, and optional paprika.
- Massage olive oil onto chicken surfaces, ensuring complete coverage with the prepared spice mixture for maximum flavor penetration.
- Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing the remaining olive oil to create a sizzling cooking environment.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece through precise 4-5 minute cooking intervals.
- Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating safe and perfect cooking.
- Elevate the dish’s complexity during final cooking moments by introducing a luxurious combination of bright lemon juice and rich, melting butter.
- Transfer chicken from skillet and allow a brief resting period, enabling internal juices to redistribute and maintain succulent tenderness.
- Complete the presentation by adorning with vibrant parsley sprigs and delicate lemon slices, complemented by accompanying roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or crisp garden salad.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness guarantees uniform cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature, avoiding overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender chicken.
- Experiment with alternative seasonings like herbs de Provence or cajun spice blend for different flavor profiles while keeping the lemon pepper essence.
- For a gluten-free and low-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.
- Try marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the zesty, tangy flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg