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Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon Pepper Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring juicy, tender chicken infused with bright lemon zest and the bold kick of freshly cracked black pepper. Perfectly balanced between tangy and savory, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for any meal or occasion, whether pan-fried, grilled, or baked.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs (skin-on or skinless)

Marinade

  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Herbs & Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving
  • Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt until well combined. This mixture will tenderize and flavor the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. If using skin-on pieces, place them skin side down first. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C).
  4. Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures a juicy interior and crisp exterior.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
  • Rest the chicken after cooking to maintain juiciness.
  • Pound chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Cook on medium-high heat to achieve a good sear without burning the seasoning.
  • Double the marinade if preparing extra chicken for later use.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying (alternative: baking)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 150g)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, quick chicken recipe, juicy chicken, easy dinner, gluten free chicken