Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are pan fried in a peppery, citrusy butter sauce for tender, juicy chicken. Spice up a casual weeknight dinner with this mouthwatering chicken entree.

For more lemon pepper chicken recipes, try Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings next!

close up view of lemon pepper chicken breasts in a pan with fresh lemons

Lemon pepper chicken breasts are seared to juicy perfection and then smothered in a bright, flavorful lemon butter garlic sauce. Once you try this recipe, it will be in weekly rotation!

Why This is the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts Recipe

Quick and Easy: Lemon pepper chicken contains simple ingredients. It is on your dinner table in just 30 minutes!
Super Flavorful: Chicken is an easy entree but it doesn’t have to be boring. Lemon pepper adds a zesty flavor to chicken so it’s not just another boring meal.
Versatile: Pair this chicken dish with anything from rice to salad.

What is Lemon Pepper Seasoning?

Lemon pepper seasoning is a sweet, zesty blend of lemon, peppercorns, and an array of other ingredients.

As you may have guessed, lemon and pepper are the main ingredients in lemon pepper seasoning. They also tend to include lemon peel (lemon zest), citric acid (an acid naturally found in lemon juice), and dried herbs. Sometimes it contains salt, onion, and garlic.

You can always make your own homemade lemon pepper seasoning blend with the items in your pantry.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts: Use boneless chicken and slice each breast in half lengthwise.
Seasoning: I use a balanced blend of lemon pepper seasoning, sea salt, ground pepper, onion powder, paprika, and dried oregano
Olive oil: Apply this to the chicken breasts so the seasoning adheres easier. Also, use it to sear the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of sodium.
Fresh thyme: This adds a fresh pop of herby flavor that complements the lemon pepper seasoning.
Garlic: Use freshly grated or minced garlic.
Chicken stock: This is the base of your lemon pepper sauce.
Juice of one lemon: This boosts the citrus flavor.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts

Slice

Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts into 4 thin and even pieces. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound each piece of chicken breast until they are flattened to an even thickness.

Season

Combine salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning and paprika in a bowl. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle the spice blend on both sides of each piece until fully coated.

Sear

In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and sear the chicken on each side until golden brown for about 3-5 minutes.

Sauce

In the same skillet, combine butter, garlic and fresh thyme and saute for about 1-2 minutes. Then add lemon juice and chicken stock.

Simmer

Mix it all together, and allow the chicken breasts to simmer in the sauce for about 3-5 minutes. Constantly spoon the sauce over top until chicken is cooked or reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

If your lemon pepper seasoning contains salt, omit sea salt from the recipe so the dish isn’t too salty.
Use fresh lemon juice because most bottled lemon juices contain preservatives. We want a fresh, natural, citrus flavor. It makes all the difference.
To get the juiciest chicken breast, make sure to not overcook the chicken or use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Variations

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts: Save some calories and time spent over the stove by baking the chicken instead. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a sheet pan and bake for 15 -20 minutes at 425°F, flipping halfway through. Prepare the lemon pepper sauce on the stove and drizzle it over the chicken when it’s done baking.
Chicken Thighs: This recipe can be used for boneless and skinless chicken thighs. They may take 2-3 minutes longer to cook. Just ensure the chicken reaches a temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the center.
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts: Make this dish even more drool-worthy by adding a tablespoon of honey to the lemon pepper sauce.
Add Veggies: Make this a one pan meal when you add some fresh spinach to the skillet.

What To Serve With Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts

Looking for side dishes for lemon pepper chicken breasts? Here are some delicious ideas.

Rice: Use white or brown rice to sop up that lemon butter sauce.
Potatoes: Serve it with potato salad, a baked potato, or my crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes.
Mac and Cheese: Chicken with a side of creamy macaroni and cheese never fails!
Salad: Place sliced lemon pepper chicken breasts over a bed of kale or lettuce for a nutritious meal.

Can Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts Be Made Ahead?

Yes. Prepare the chicken, allow it to cool, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge to consume within 4 days.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lemon pepper chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you want to reheat it, microwave it for 1 to 1.5 minutes.

Common Questions

What is the secret to moist chicken breast?

For moist, juicy chicken, flatten the chicken breasts. The chicken will cook quicker and more evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked chicken breast.

How else can I use lemon pepper seasoning?

Lemon pepper isn’t limited to chicken. Use it to season any protein, from fish to tofu. It also adds great flavor to vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. I love adding it to eggs and potatoes!

More Chicken Recipes:

Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap

Bacon and Jalapeno Chicken Salad

Vegetable Chicken Fingers for Babies

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Chicken

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a star rating and comment below to let us know your thoughts. You can also share the recipe on Instagram and tag @eatwell.withlex.