Name: Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 ½ teaspoons cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; lemon slices and chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a truly vibrant, flavor-packed main dish that’s as simple as it is show-stopping, Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast should be at the very top of your must-make list. This dish delivers juicy, tender chicken with irresistible zesty notes, a peppery bite, and an aromatic citrus kick that lifts the ordinary chicken dinner to something fresh and exciting. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight staple or a crowd-pleaser to impress friends, this recipe will win hearts (and taste buds) every single time.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own character—flavor, texture, or color—ensuring every bite is packed with savory, citrusy magic. Gather these kitchen favorites for a dish that feels gourmet but is delightfully fuss-free.

Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for an effortless, lean protein that soaks up all the zesty seasonings.
Olive Oil: This adds rich moisture and encourages a gorgeous golden finish as the chicken bakes or grills.
Lemon Zest: Be generous with the zest—this is where that lush, bright citrus aroma and unbeatable flavor comes from.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: For tangy freshness that penetrates the chicken and ties together all the seasonings beautifully.
Cracked Black Pepper: Go for freshly cracked for the boldest flavor and the classic peppery punch.
Salt: Just enough to enhance and balance the flavors without overpowering the lemony notes.
Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle savory foundation to complement the citrus and pepper.
Onion Powder: Adds depth and roundness to the seasoning blend—don’t skip it!
Lemon Slices & Chopped Parsley (for garnish): These add a gorgeous visual pop and a final layer of aroma right before serving.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first, get your oven hot and ready by preheating to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this small step ensures your seasoning really sticks and that beautiful crisp on top.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture is your quick ticket to flavor town, infusing the chicken with brightness and aroma in just minutes.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Rub the citrusy, peppery marinade evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Take a moment to really massage it in—the more contact, the more delicious every bite becomes. You’ll notice the color come alive instantly!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your seasoned chicken in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, then pop into the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). For a touch of irresistibly crispy top, broil for a brisk 2–3 minutes right at the end. That golden finish is seriously hard to resist.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let your Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven—this locks in the juices, making every slice perfectly moist. Just before serving, garnish generously with lemon slices and chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy look and that extra burst of fresh aroma.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

Garnishes

A finishing touch of fresh lemon slices and a shower of chopped parsley make your Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast look effortlessly elegant. The lemon amplifies its zesty profile, while the parsley adds color and a touch of freshness—don’t skip those simple extras!

Side Dishes

This chicken absolutely shines alongside fluffy rice, roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli, or a crisp garden salad. The gentle lemon-pepper flavor pairs well with Mediterranean sides, light pastas, or even creamy mashed potatoes if you’re in the mood for comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of greens, pile it into wraps with tzatziki for lunch, or tuck it next to a simple risotto for an elevated meal. It’s as at home at Sunday dinner as it is meal-prepped for weekday lunches—the versatility is part of its magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator, staying tasty and tender, for up to 4 days—making it perfect for meal planning!

Freezing

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast also freezes like a dream. Place fully cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep its delicious flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken again, reheat in a covered dish at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes, or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. This helps maintain moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! While the classic Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast uses chicken breasts, thighs work beautifully too. They’ll be even juicier and flavorful, just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the grill?

Yes, grilling is a fantastic option. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The grill will add a smoky note that pairs deliciously with the lemon and pepper.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The key to juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is not overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken out right at 165°F. Letting it rest after baking is also crucial—it lets the juices redistribute, keeping everything moist and tender.

Can I marinate the chicken in advance?

You sure can! Mix up the marinade and coat the chicken, then refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. This extra time deepens the flavors and makes meal prep a breeze for busy days.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is a meal prep superstar. Cook in advance, slice or shred as needed, then use in salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week. It keeps its flavor and texture wonderfully in the fridge or freezer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast enough—whether you’re after a quick family dinner or a dish that’ll delight guests, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and see just how easy, delicious, and versatile this recipe can be in your kitchen!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic pepper gives the chicken a bright and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, this versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Garnish:

lemon slices and chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Marinate the chicken: Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Bake the chicken: Place the chicken in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Broil for crispiness: For a crispy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley.