Name: Lemon Pepper chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise); 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 lemon (juiced); ¼ cup chicken stock; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Lemon pepper chicken is a quick, one-skillet dinner recipe that's ready in less than 30 minutes.

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Lemon pepper chicken is a quick, one-skillet dinner recipe. This easy dinner recipe makes lemon pepper chicken in less than 30 minutes.

This easy Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Ready in just 25 minutes and made in a single skillet, it’s an easy, no-fuss meal.

This quick recipe delivers flavorful chicken that is the perfect balance of zesty lemon and bold pepper. Whether you're cooking for the family or just craving something tasty, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Ingredients for lemon pepper chicken in dishes.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Chicken breast: Boneless skinless thighs make an excellent alternative.
Olive oil: Avocado oil or grape seed oil are both good choices.
Chicken stock: You can use chicken broth or bullion if you cannot find stock. You can also use reduced-sodium broth or no salt broth to better control the salt level in the dish.

How to make lemon pepper chicken

Here you'll find instructions and step-by step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including ingredients, is given below.

Seasoned chicken breast on a plate next to chicken breast browning in a skillet.

Step 1: Season both sides of the chicken with the lemon pepper seasoning, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3: Add in the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown.

Step 4: Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Lemon juice and stock deglazing a skillet and cooked lemon pepper chicken breast in a skillet.

Step 5: Add the butter and garlic to the pan and cook for one minute.

Step 6: Deglaze the pan with the lemon juice and chicken stock.

Step 7: Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Serve your chicken with fresh parsley and some lemon wedges.

Two plates of lemon pepper chicken next to mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tips

Lemon flavor: To bring out the lemon flavor, zest the lemon into the sauce when you deglaze the pan.
Heat: If you'd like to add a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when you deglaze the pan. You can also add them to individual plates when serving so as not to spice the whole dish.

A plate of lemon pepper chicken next to a kitchen linen and sliced lemon.

Serving suggestions

I recommend serving this chicken with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, or baked potatoes. Steamed or sauteed vegetables, like carrots, asparagus, or broccoli, or a fresh green salad will help to round out the meal.

A cut lemon pepper chicken breast on a plate next to salt and pepper mills.

Storage

Lemon pepper chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days when properly stored in the fridge.

More chicken dinner recipes!

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