Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper blend, seared to golden perfection, and topped with a tangy garlic butter lemon sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, it offers a bright, flavorful meal that's easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or flour of choice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Garnish (optional)
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Cut the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, combine the arrowroot powder (or chosen flour), lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets, pressing gently to adhere the seasoning to the meat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the sauce: Add the unsalted butter to the same pan. Sauté the minced garlic in the melted butter for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, then simmer and reduce the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh lemon zest. Add optional parsley and lemon slices for extra brightness and presentation before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, flavorful meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use arrowroot powder or a gluten-free flour substitute.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts to your preference for more or less tanginess.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon slices adds a lovely color contrast and extra freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 259 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 428 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
