Zingy Lemon Pepper Chicken: a Weeknight Winner!

Right then, let's get stuck in!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a chicken dish that's a bit special ? This lemon pepper chicken recipe is a right belter. It's got that zesty, peppery punch that wakes up your taste buds!

Brief Overview

This lemon pepper chicken is proper american comfort food, innit? it's simple enough for a weeknight chicken dinner , but tasty enough for a sunday roast alternative.

It’s dead easy to make. takes about an hour, including marinating and makes enough for four hungry folks.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this citrus chicken recipe is healthier than your average takeaway. it's lean protein with a flavour explosion. serve it for a quick family meal or to impress your mates.

What makes this easy lemon pepper chicken baked recipe special? it's that perfect balance of zing and spice, plus it is one of the great low calorie dinners that doesn't bore you out of your mind.

Time to gather the bits and bobs...

From Humble Beginnings: A Chicken Tale

You know, the best recipes often come from a ‘wing it’ moment. well, this recipe is no exception. i was rummaging through the fridge, trying to conjure up something other than beans on toast, when my eye landed on a lonely lemon and a jar of peppercorns.

"bingo!" i thought. and lo, the lemon pepper chicken meal was born.

The Star Players: Ingredients You'll Need

This Zingy Lemon Pepper Chicken isn't just about throwing ingredients together. You'll need these bits.

• Chicken: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. About 6oz (170g) each.
• Lemon: 1 tablespoon of zest and 2 tablespoons of juice.
• Pepper: 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper. Freshly ground is a must.
• Other Bits: Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (optional).

Oh my gosh! Don't skimp on the freshly ground pepper. It's a game changer.

Marinating Magic

In a bowl, whack in the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave).

Dunk in the chicken. give it a good toss. cover it and sling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a couple of hours.

The longer, the better, but don’t go over 2 hours else your beautiful chicken become mushy. it's all about the flavour party!.

Sizzle Time: Cooking Like a Pro

Right, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. take the chicken out of the marinade.

And sear it for about 5- 7 minutes each side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. remember, it needs to reach 165° f ( 74° c) .

Resting your chicken is very important!

Final Flourishes

Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

I had some roasted asparagus on the side last time. it was lush!. and hey, that's your pan-fried lemon pepper chicken ready to enjoy! i hope you enjoyed this quick chicken recipes as much as i did when i discovered how to make it.

The "Ta-Da!" Moment

So there you have it, a Black Pepper Chicken dish that's both easy and impressive. This Baked Lemon Chicken will quickly become a family favourite. Enjoy!.

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving into the heart of the matter. This Zingy Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe hinges on getting the ingredients right. Let's break it down.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Serious

For this easy lemon pepper chicken baked recipe, you'll need: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each).

Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy. honestly, quality chicken makes all the difference. you want 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15 ml) , 1 tablespoon lemon zest , and 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (30 ml) .

And of course, we can't forget about 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper (30 ml) freshly ground is key, trust me.

Round it all out with 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 ml) , 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2.5 ml) , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon / 1.

25 ml) . this will make a delicious lemon pepper chicken meal !

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

This recipe relies heavily on the lemon pepper combo . it’s a match made in heaven. lemon zest brightens and adds a tangy note.

The black pepper gives it a pleasant, lingering heat. you can add garlic powder to give it a more savory flavor.

For an extra kick, use red pepper flakes. seriously, play around. can't find good lemon? a little white wine vinegar can work, but nothing beats the real deal.

I like to pair garlic powder to this and it turns into one of my favorite low calorie dinners .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this pan-fried lemon pepper chicken . just grab a mixing bowl, a zester, and a citrus juicer (optional).

A large skillet is essential. cast iron is my favorite for searing, but stainless steel works too. finally, a meat thermometer is non-negotiable.

Aim for an internal temperature of 165° f ( 74° c) . honestly, overcooked chicken is such a downer. my nan always said "measure twice, cut once!"- it applies to cooking too.

If you want a weeknight chicken dinner you're proud of you need to be able to check the temperature.

This citrus chicken recipe is so straightforward. It's the perfect way to end a long day. What are you waiting for?

Alright, let's dive into this zingy lemon pepper chicken! it's honestly one of my go-to weeknight chicken dinner options. i remember the first time i tried to make something similar.

It was a disaster ! the chicken was dry, and the lemon flavour was non-existent. but don't worry, this lemon pepper chicken recipe is foolproof, even if you're a bit of a klutz in the kitchen like i sometimes am.

Cooking Method: pan-fried Perfection

Pan-frying is the way to go for this dish, in my humble opinion. it gives the chicken that lovely golden crust and keeps it juicy.

Plus, it's quick! who has time to slave away in the kitchen all night? this easy lemon pepper chicken baked or grilled can be done, but the sear on the stove can be so much better.

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is key, my friends. chop your parsley. zest and juice your lemon. measure out your spices.

Having everything ready to go will save you from a mid-cooking meltdown. honestly, i speak from experience!

Time saving organization tips : while the chicken marinates, get your sides prepped. this way, everything is ready to go when the chicken is done.

It makes it one of the best quick chicken recipes out there.

Safety reminders : Raw chicken can be a right pest. Make sure you wash your hands and any surfaces that have come into contact with it. Better safe than sorry!

Sizzle and Sear: The step-by-step

1. Marinade Magic: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat).
2. Coat the Chicken : Dunk each of those 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the marinade, making sure to cover every side. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat the Pan : Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. You want it nice and hot!
4. Sear It : Place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Don't overcrowd it! Cook 5- 7 minutes per side.
5. Temperature Check : The internal temperature must reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer, trust me on this.
6. Rest Up : Remove from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes . This is crucial for juicy chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy : Slice, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Ta-da!

Pro-Level Tips

Freshly ground pepper is non-negotiable . honestly, it makes all the difference. invest in a decent pepper grinder. you won't regret it.

Don't over marinate . the lemon juice can start to cook the chicken if you leave it too long. stick to 2 hours max.

Looking for low calorie dinners ? serve this chicken with a big salad. this lemon pepper chicken meal is already quite healthy.

Or you could try it with cauliflower rice. this citrus chicken recipe is pretty adaptable!

So there you have it! my foolproof lemon pepper chicken breast recipe. i hope you love it as much as i do.

Happy cooking, you gorgeous lot! and remember, even if you mess up, it'll probably still taste alright. cooking should be fun!

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of these recipe notes ! honestly, these are the bits that can really elevate your lemon pepper chicken recipe from "meh" to "omg, where did you get this?!".

Let's get to it.

Recipe Notes: Your Key to Lemon Pepper Chicken Perfection!

Think of these as your cheat sheet. This is how you nail it every time.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation

How you present your easy lemon pepper chicken baked makes a difference. it's like putting on your best clothes. i like to arrange the sliced chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa.

Garnish with some vibrant green parsley. a few lemon wedges on the side are a must. roasted asparagus makes a great companion to the citrus chicken recipe.

Pour a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc and enjoy.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftover lemon pepper chicken breast ? no worries! pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. to reheat, i prefer using the oven. it helps keep the chicken moist.

Don't go microwaving it or you'll get rubber. i hate rubber chicken.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Want a low calorie dinners option? swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice. it slashes the calories and adds an extra serving of veggies! or, for a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips in the fall.

They pair beautifully with the baked lemon chicken .

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

This lemon pepper chicken meal is packed with protein, which is great for keeping you full and energized. the lemon provides a good dose of vitamin c.

And the black pepper chicken ? it's not just for flavor. it's got antioxidants, too. while it's a nutritious dish, remember that moderation is key!

So there you have it, mate! a breakdown of all the crucial recipe notes. don't be afraid to experiment with these suggestions.

Cooking is all about having fun and making it your own! you can easily transform this weeknight chicken dinner into a quick chicken recipes .

Go on, get cooking and enjoy!