Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Lemon Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, zesty dish made with fresh lemon, black pepper, and simple seasonings. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Sear or Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken (thighs or breasts) – juicy protein base for the dish
- Lemon juice – adds brightness and tenderizes the meat
- Lemon zest – provides concentrated citrus aroma
- Black pepper – gives a bold, peppery flavor
- Garlic (minced or powdered) – adds savory depth
- Olive oil – helps distribute flavors and encourages browning
- Salt – balances the acidity and enhances flavor
- Optional herbs (parsley, thyme) – for aroma and visual appeal
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, black pepper, garlic, and salt to create the marinade.
- Coat the chicken evenly in the marinade and let it rest for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Choose your cooking method: pan-sear in a skillet, bake at 400°F, or air-fry at 375°F until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Serve with your favorite sides and garnish with fresh lemon slices or herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum flavor impact.
- Resting the chicken before slicing helps keep it juicy.
- Adjust the pepper level to match your spice preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/easy-lemon-pepper-chicken/