Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Introduction
When you need a meal that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavor but requires minimal effort, this Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. The combination of bright lemon and bold black pepper delivers a mouthwatering dish that’s both light and irresistible—an instant crowd pleaser and a weeknight dinner savior.
Deliciously Simple Lemon Pepper Chicken
What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of tangy citrus and fragrant spice. The chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to a quick marinade, while the lemon-pepper coating adds a punch of flavor. No fancy equipment or special skills required—just a handful of pantry staples and a trusty skillet.
Key Flavor Components
True to its name, this recipe relies on freshly squeezed lemon and coarsely ground black pepper as the main flavor builders. A touch of olive oil keeps the chicken succulent and helps the seasoning adhere, while a hint of garlic adds savory depth. Fresh parsley or thyme can be sprinkled on top for a pop of herby freshness.
Quick and Easy Preparation
From marinating to sizzling in the pan, the entire process is straightforward. Simply coat your chicken breasts in the vibrant marinade, let them rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors, then cook in a hot skillet until golden brown and beautifully cooked through.
Serving Suggestions for a Well-Rounded Meal
Pair this Lemon Pepper Chicken with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal. For extra flair, garnish with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs. It’s just as delicious warm from the pan as it is chilled in a next-day salad.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 servings. Each portion contains approximately 220 calories, 28g protein, 9g fat, and 2g carbohydrates—making it a healthy, wholesome choice for any meal plan. Adjust side dishes to meet your nutritional needs.
Deliciously Simple Lemon Pepper Chicken (Recap)
This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken is your ticket to effortless, flavorful dinners. With its zesty marinade and quick prep, it’s destined to become a staple for weekday cooking and meal prep sessions alike.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more pronounced flavor).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if needed.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly add it to your weekly rotation, optimize your shopping list, and get reminders when it’s time to prep.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically sums up all ingredient quantities for every recipe on your schedule
- Combines groceries by department for the fastest store trips
- Eliminates forgotten items and accidental duplicates
- Streamlines your meal planning for the whole week ahead
Pro Tip: Use CookifyAI to plan multiple dinners at once—ingredients for overlapping recipes (like fresh herbs or garlic) are combined automatically, so you only buy what you need.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes (not including extended marination)