This post may contain affiliate links. For more, see our Affiliate Disclaimer.
There’s something about lemon pepper chicken that instantly takes me back to my first real weeknight dinner win. I remember searing those golden chicken breasts in a cast-iron skillet I nearly burned once, and somehow, the lemony, buttery sauce made it all feel like magic. It’s bright, juicy, and wildly simple—the kind of dish you crave after a long day.
In This Guide
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken
This lemon pepper chicken recipe is your new go-to for fast, feel-good cooking. It comes together in just 20 minutes using only one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The zesty lemon flavor mingles with a touch of buttery garlic for a sauce that’s rich but never heavy. Whether you’re cooking for a quick dinner or prepping ahead for lunches, it’s incredibly versatile—and yes, gluten-free friendly if you need it.
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Only one pan needed
- Bursting with citrusy flavor and peppery warmth
- Works for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Easy to adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to make this skillet dinner sing:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally for thinner cutlets
- Flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot for gluten-free)
- Lemon pepper seasoning (go for one without fillers; Simply Organic is a solid choice)
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh lemon juice (from 1 juicy lemon)
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Lemon zest
- Optional: fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Best chicken cuts: Chicken breasts sliced thinly cook quickly and evenly. You can also swap in boneless thighs if you prefer something juicier.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Check the label—some have additives or MSG. A good quality blend will use real lemon peel and cracked pepper.
- Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist that’s still flavorful.
- Low-sodium tip: Use homemade or no-salt-added chicken broth if watching sodium levels.
- Homemade seasoning: Mix dried lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a quick DIY blend.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
You’re just a few simple steps away from a bright, buttery chicken dinner that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the chicken: Use a sharp knife to cut each chicken breast horizontally so you end up with four thin cutlets.
- Season: In a shallow bowl, mix flour (or starch), lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Dredge both sides of each piece of chicken in the mixture.
- Sear: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should hit 160–165°F). Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté just 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in broth and lemon juice. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Finish: Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle on lemon zest, parsley, and lemon slices if using.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Don’t crowd the pan—it prevents good browning.
- Deglaze with a splash of white wine or more broth to loosen flavorful bits from the pan.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the chicken juicy.
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken
This dish plays well with so many sides. Serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles to soak up all that lemony sauce. For a low-carb option, go with zucchini noodles, roasted green beans, or a crisp side salad.
Looking for cozy variations? Try this Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken with Rice for a hands-off version. Or, pair with your favorite roasted veggie or explore ideas from our zucchini side dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seasonings go on lemon pepper chicken?
Classic lemon pepper chicken includes lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and sometimes onion powder. A good store-bought blend simplifies it, but feel free to add your own twist with a pinch of cayenne or extra garlic.
What are the 4 ingredients in lemon chicken?
At its core, lemon chicken usually contains chicken, lemon juice, garlic, and a cooking fat like butter or oil. This recipe builds on that with seasoning and broth for deeper flavor.
What does lemon pepper chicken taste like?
It’s zesty, bright, and savory with a mild peppery bite. The lemon brings freshness, the pepper adds warmth, and the garlic-butter sauce ties it all together into something irresistibly good.
What is lemon pepper seasoning made of?
Most blends include dried lemon zest or citric acid, cracked black pepper, salt, and garlic or onion powder. Avoid ones with added sugar or fillers for best flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and cook up beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to keep the chicken tender.
Is lemon pepper seasoning spicy?
Not really—it’s more zesty than spicy. You can always boost the heat with a dash of cayenne or extra cracked pepper if you like.
Try These Next
Love easy chicken recipes? Don’t miss:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken – creamy, dreamy and weeknight-friendly.
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast – quick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Greek Lemon Potatoes – the perfect lemony pairing.
- Chicken Piccata – tangy, saucy, and restaurant-level good.
To keep up with more quick weeknight winners and cozy kitchen stories, follow me on Pinterest or say hi on Facebook.
Print
Lemon Pepper Chicken – Easy 20-Minute One-Pan Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Quick and easy 15-minute chicken breast recipe seared with lemon pepper seasoning and topped with lemon garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs), sliced horizontally
Flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot for gluten-free)
Lemon pepper seasoning (avoid fillers; Simply Organic brand recommended)
Salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional: freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
3. Coat each chicken piece evenly in the seasoning mix.
4. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 160–165°F.
5. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
6. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece.
8. Top with lemon zest, fresh parsley, and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or more garlic to the sauce.
Pairs well with zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or green beans.
Use arrowroot, tapioca, or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
Avoid lemon pepper seasoning with fillers—choose quality for best flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, properly cooked chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 259
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 428mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 87mg