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Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken with golden seared chicken breasts and a vibrant lemon pepper crust, finished with a bright lemon butter sauce. Cook in a skillet until the chicken reaches 165°F, then spoon the shimmering butter sauce with visible zest over each breast.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lemon pepper chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest Plus additional zest for the lemon butter sauce.
  • 2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Lemon butter sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 garlic, minced
  • 1 fresh parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Season the chicken
  1. Mix lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, then rub generously over both sides of each chicken breast.
Sear the chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove to a plate.
Make the lemon butter sauce
  1. Melt butter in the same pan over medium heat, then cook the minced garlic for 1 minute while stirring.
  2. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until the sauce is bubbling and aromatic, about 30-60 seconds.
Finish and serve
  1. Return chicken to the pan and spoon the lemon butter sauce over each breast.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, then serve immediately.

Notes

For maximum crust, pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning and avoid moving them during the first sear. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently so the lemon butter doesn’t split. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. Dietary swap: use chicken tenders cut to even thickness for faster cooking while keeping the same lemon pepper flavor.