Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper blend, seared to a golden brown, and baked to perfection with fresh lemon slices and butter for added richness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice blend.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then evenly rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of each breast.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and flavorful.
- Add Lemons and Butter: Arrange the lemon slices on top and around the chicken in the skillet. Dot the chicken with small pieces of butter to add richness during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken!
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For extra zest, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving.
- This recipe works well with bone-in chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring chicken to another baking dish.
- Butter adds richness; substitute with olive oil for a lighter option if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American