Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s both quick and impressive, I absolutely love sharing my Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe with friends. This dish comes together on the stovetop with a buttery, tangy sauce that’s bursting with lemon and pepper goodness. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite — and I’m betting you’ll feel the same. Stick around, because I’ll guide you through everything you need to make this dish shine every.single.time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe lies in simple yet flavorful ingredients that work so well together. Most are pantry staples, but I’ll share some tips for the best quality and results.

• Chicken broth: Choose low sodium if possible, so you can control the saltiness of your sauce.
• Chicken bouillon cube: Adds depth and richness; a great shortcut to enhance flavor.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce a velvety finish—don’t skip!
• Honey: Just a touch balances the tangy lemon perfectly.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that complements the pepper nicely.
• Mustard powder: Brings a gentle heat and complexity.
• Parsley & oregano: Fresh or dried both work; these herbs give the sauce an herby freshness.
• Coarse black pepper: The star of the seasoning—it gives the dish its signature kick.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I recommend flattening them slightly for even cooking.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Look for one with no additives for the freshest taste.
• Flour: Used for dredging and thickening the sauce—don’t forget this step.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth; a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great.
• Butter: For richness and to finish the sauce beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is a must here for an aromatic punch.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nuttiness and richness to the sauce.
• Lemon juice & lemon wedges: Fresh juice ensures the tartness is bright and clear; wedges are for garnish and extra zest.
• Freshly cracked pepper: For sprinkling on top before serving, to ramp up the flavor.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to make it your own!

• Variation: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier meat—just adjust cooking time a bit.
• Variation: For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese.
• Variation: Add a splash of honey mustard or Dijon to the sauce for an extra tangy twist—my family loves this combo.
• Variation: Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick; I sometimes sprinkle these during cooking for a subtle heat.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Season

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is key—I learned the hard way that wet chicken won’t brown properly. Lightly dredge each breast in flour combined with 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning. This coating helps create a crisp sear and keeps the chicken juicy inside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil’s shimmering, add the chicken and cook about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this—good browning adds amazing flavor! Once cooked, remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This step prevents a floury taste and ensures a smooth sauce.

Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth combined with a bouillon cube, then ½ cup of dry white wine. You’ll notice the sauce thickening as it simmers—this is where the magic happens. Stir in 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon each of mustard powder, parsley, and oregano, plus 1/8 teaspoon of coarse black pepper.

Finally, add ¼ cup grated Parmesan and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Stir everything until the cheese melts and the sauce is silky smooth. If it’s too thick, splash a little more broth or wine.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Let everything heat together for a few minutes so the flavors meld. Serve with lemon wedges on the side and a generous crack of fresh black pepper. Trust me, those finishing touches take this dish from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh lemon wedges and a crack of black pepper on top. Sometimes I toss on some finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. These simple touches make your plate look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta—they soak up that luscious sauce so well. If you prefer something lighter, roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like plating the chicken over angel hair pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and Parmesan, then drizzling the lemon pepper sauce right on top. Adding microgreens and a thin lemon slice garnishing the plate elevates the presentation with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so I recommend reheating gently to preserve that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to meal prep. I let the chicken cool completely, then freeze it in a sealed container with the sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but low power helps avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is one of those comfort dishes that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to pull off on a weeknight. I still remember the first time it wowed my family around the dinner table, and it’s become my go-to when I want something satisfying without much fuss. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do—try it out, tweak it to your taste, and let those bright lemon and pepper flavors bring a little sunshine to your table!

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