Description
Succulent lemon pepper chicken delivers Mediterranean-inspired flavor in mere minutes. Zesty citrus and aromatic spices combine effortlessly, promising a quick dinner that brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking and Flavoring Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by thoroughly dabbing chicken breasts with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating an ideal surface for seasoning and achieving a perfect sear.
- Create a flavor-packed spice blend by mixing lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a small mixing container, ensuring even distribution of aromatics.
- Generously coat both surfaces of the chicken breasts with the prepared seasoning mixture, using gentle pressing motions to help the spices adhere completely.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the pan to reach optimal heat for creating a golden exterior.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized crust for approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
- Reduce cooking temperature to low and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken, creating a sizzling reaction that helps deglaze the pan and infuse additional citrus notes.
- Allow chicken to simmer gently in the lemon juice for 2-3 minutes, which helps tenderize the meat and incorporate deeper flavor profiles.
- Verify chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F using a reliable meat thermometer to ensure complete and safe cooking.
- Transfer chicken from skillet and permit a brief resting period to redistribute internal juices, maintaining maximum moisture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant final touch and serve immediately to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
- Experiment with homemade lemon pepper seasoning by mixing fresh cracked black pepper, lemon zest, and salt for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Use a meat thermometer to precisely check doneness and prevent overcooking, which can lead to tough, dry chicken.
- Adapt the recipe for low-carb or keto diets by substituting paprika with herbs like thyme or rosemary, maintaining the dish’s zesty character.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg