Description
Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken is a delightful and simple dish that combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the subtle heat of black pepper. This recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken breasts that are perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Add Lemon Juice: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the lemon juice over the chicken breasts, allowing it to sizzle and deglaze the pan. Let the chicken simmer in the lemon juice for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Customization: Adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg