Dinner
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Tender chicken pieces are coated in freshly cracked pepper and seared until golden, then finished with a light pan sauce of lemon, garlic, and chicken broth that's tangy and aromatic. A classic restaurant favorite that's surprisingly simple to make at home.
✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this
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Lemon Pepper Chicken — common questions
Can I make this ahead?
Sear the chicken and refrigerate it up to 1 day ahead, covered. Make the sauce fresh on the day of serving by deglazing the same skillet and simmering the chicken in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to rewarm and allow flavors to meld.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly preferred for the bright, clean flavor that defines this dish; bottled juice tastes flat and metallic by comparison. Squeeze fresh lemons just before cooking.
What's the most common mistake?
Moving the chicken too much while searing—this prevents the crust from forming and the pepper from adhering properly. Sear undisturbed for 6–7 minutes on each side without moving the pan or chicken.
Can I cook this in an oven instead?
Sear the chicken in a skillet for 3 minutes per side as directed, then transfer to a 400°F oven and bake 8–10 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. The pan sauce should still be made on the stovetop afterwards.
What should I serve with lemon pepper chicken?
Steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, or roasted potatoes pair beautifully with the bright sauce. Add a simple vegetable like steamed asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad alongside.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate chicken and sauce together in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes covered with foil, or in a skillet over low heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring gently to prevent the chicken from drying out.
More chicken recipes
- Buffalo Wings Recipe 35 min
- Butter Chicken Recipe 45 min
- Chicken Adobo Recipe 60 min
- Chicken Alfredo Recipe 30 min
- Chicken and Dumplings Recipe 70 min
- Chicken Biryani Recipe 75 min
- Chicken Cacciatore Recipe 70 min
- Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe 27 min
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