Lemon Black Pepper Chicken Tangy Perfection
- Recipe Introduction
- Ingredients & Equipment: Sorted!
- Prep Like a Pro for Your Lemon Black Pepper Chicken!
- Step-by-Step to Lemon Pepper Chicken Oven Baked Glory
- Ace This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Like a Pro
- Recipe Notes for Absolutely Cracking Lemon Black Pepper Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of zing in your life? This lemon black pepper chicken recipe is just the ticket. It’s tangy, it’s peppery, and honestly, it's dead easy.
Brief Overview
This lemon chicken recipe is inspired by Italian American flavors. I love how simple it is to make. It’s ready in about 35 minutes. This recipe serves four hungry people!
Main Benefits
This healthy lemon chicken is packed with protein and good vibes. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
I reckon this easy weeknight chicken dinner is special because it’s both comforting and refreshing.
What You'll Need
Right, let's get our ducks in a row. Here are the bits and bobs we need for this lemon pepper chicken oven baked :
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, plus more to taste.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste.
And for that gorgeous creamy lemon pepper chicken sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth (stock)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (double cream)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
You'll also need a skillet, cutting board, knife, lemon juicer (optional) and measuring spoons.
My Story with Lemon Chicken Healthy Clean Eating
I first made this quick lemon pepper chicken dish after a particularly brutal day at work. You know, one of those days where everything just seems to go wrong? Anyway, I needed something quick, tasty, and comforting.
This lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe fitted the bill perfectly. The zesty lemon and spicy pepper perked me right up! Since then, it's become a firm favorite in our house.
It even won over my picky eater nephew.
Right, let's get down to brass tacks with this Lemon Black Pepper Chicken recipe. It is proper tasty! Think of it as your new easy weeknight chicken dinner go-to.
Ingredients & Equipment: Sorted!
Let's break down what you'll need. No stress, it is all straightforward.
Main Players: The Ingredients List
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for good quality, free range if you can. You know, the kind that looks happy even before it's cooked! Cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Standard stuff.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Season to taste, mind.
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , freshly cracked. Oh my gosh, freshly cracked makes ALL the difference!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Oven Baked? Yes, but First, the Sauce...
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Get your vampire repellent ready!
- Chicken Broth (Stock): 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Heavy Cream (Double Cream): 1/4 cup (60ml) . Makes it creamy lemon pepper chicken heaven, honestly.
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh, from about 1 large lemon . That's why it is Lemon Chicken Recipe !
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 tablespoon (15ml) grated, optional.
- Parsley: 1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh, for garnish. Adds a bit of poshness.
Seasoning Notes: Bang On Flavours
Don't be shy with the black pepper! It's the backbone of this Lemon Pepper Chicken . Garlic and lemon are your flavour enhancers.
If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes will add a lovely kick! For spice substitutions, use half a teaspoon of white pepper, or add a quarter teaspoon of onion powder instead of salt for a more intense flavour.
Essential Kit: Gear Up!
You only need a few bits. A large skillet or frying pan is crucial. Get that nice and hot. A cutting board and sharp knife are essential.
A lemon juicer? Handy, but not a deal breaker. Forks are helpful too! Use your favourite spoon for measure.
That's it! Simple, right? Now, go get cooking with this Lemon Chicken Healthy Clean Eating dish! You'll be chuffed, I promise.
Right, let's crack on with this Lemon Black Pepper Chicken recipe, shall we? It's a right proper crowd pleaser, easy enough for a Tuesday night but posh enough for having the Vicar round.
Think tangy, peppery deliciousness! It's honestly one of my favourite easy weeknight chicken dinner options!
Prep Like a Pro for Your Lemon Black Pepper Chicken!
First things first, essential mise en place , darling! Cube that chicken into roughly 1 inch bits. No one wants a mouthful of massive chicken chunks, you know? Get your olive oil, salt, and pepper ready.
Mince your garlic. Juice your lemon. You don't want to be scrambling while the chicken's sizzling! A lemon juicer makes life so much easier.
Honestly, worth the investment.
For time saving organization tips , pre-measure everything into small bowls. It's like having your own little cooking show set up.
Now, for safety reminders , wash your hands after handling the raw chicken, yeah? And don't use the same chopping board for the chicken and the parsley.
We don't want any dodgy germs spoiling our meal.
step-by-step to Lemon Pepper Chicken Oven Baked Glory
Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
Get in there and make sure every piece is covered.
Sizzle Time: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's browned and cooked through.
You're looking for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Nobody likes pink chicken! Set the cooked chicken aside for now.
Sauce Magic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add those 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook until they're fragrant.
You'll know, it smells divine! About 30 seconds should do it.
Lemon Love: Pour in 0.25 cup of chicken broth, 0.25 cup of heavy cream, and 0.25 cup of fresh lemon juice. Bring it to a simmer.
Thickening Time: Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. This should take about 3- 5 minutes . Keep an eye on it, you don't want it to reduce too much.
Chicken Reunion: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss it in that beautiful sauce. Make sure every piece is coated.
Finishing Touches: Stir in 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese (if you're using it). Garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Ta-da! You've nailed the Lemon Chicken Recipe .
Ace This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Like a Pro
Want that restaurant quality touch? Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for that extra zing of citrus. One common mistake? Overcooking the chicken! It'll turn out rubbery.
Cook it just until done. Oh, and you can totally make the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to eat.
I reckon this would be awesome served over pasta, maybe even a Lemon pepper chicken pasta . The possibilities are endless. Enjoy your healthy lemon chicken .
Recipe Notes for Absolutely Cracking Lemon Black Pepper Chicken
Right, before you get started on this amazing lemon black pepper chicken , a few things to keep in mind, yeah? This isn't just any old lemon chicken recipe ; this is the lemon chicken recipe .
Honestly, it's dead easy.
Fab Serving Suggestions
Listen up, presentation matters! Plating can take this healthy lemon chicken from Tuesday tea to a proper Sunday roast vibe.
For a simple but elegant touch, place the lemon black pepper chicken over a bed of pasta, like linguine. This lemon pepper chicken pasta is a winner! A sprig of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of colour.
Got guests? Serve with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio! Roasted asparagus or green beans also work wonders.
Savvy Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No worries! This easy weeknight chicken dinner can be easily stored. Pop any extra baked lemon chicken into an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely first. When reheating, a splash of chicken broth helps to keep it moist.
Honestly, I usually just microwave it.
Clever Variations on a Healthy Lemon Chicken
Fancy a change? Course you do! How about making a creamy lemon pepper chicken by adding a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce? Or if you're trying to eat clean, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream - still lush! For a lemon chicken healthy clean eating vibe, serve it with quinoa instead of rice.
And if you fancy using lemon pepper chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, go right ahead! Adjust the cooking time as needed.
In the winter, I'd love to add some thyme and rosemary.
Nifty Nutrition Basics
Alright, let's talk numbers. Each serving clocks in around 350 calories, packed with a whopping 40g of protein. It's fairly low in carbs, with about 5g.
The fat content is about 18g. This lemon pepper chicken oven baked is a great option if you’re looking for a delicious but guilt free meal.
Quick lemon pepper chicken for the win!
So there you have it! Now get in the kitchen and have a go. You've got this! Making lemon black pepper chicken should be a doddle. Trust me, you'll smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lemon black pepper chicken ahead of time? Is it alright to reheat it?
Absolutely! This lemon black pepper chicken is great for meal prepping. Just cook it as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the chicken from drying out and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
I don't have heavy cream, can I substitute anything else in this lemon black pepper chicken recipe?
No worries, love! If you don't have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half and-half or even full fat milk. The sauce might be a little thinner, but it will still taste delicious.
For a richer option, consider using crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese just stir it in at the very end of cooking.
My lemon black pepper chicken sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it up a bit?
Thin sauce, eh? A classic problem! There are a few tricks to thickening that lovely lemon pepper sauce. First, let it simmer a bit longer on low heat, allowing it to reduce naturally.
Alternatively, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for another minute or two until thickened.
Is there a good side dish to serve with this lemon black pepper chicken? Something a bit healthier, perhaps?
You bet there is! While pasta is a classic, for a healthier option, roasted vegetables are a winner. Think broccoli, asparagus, or green beans tossed with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Quinoa or brown rice also make excellent, nutritious sides that will soak up all that delicious sauce. Sorted!
Can I freeze this lemon black pepper chicken?
Freezing is possible, but it's not ideal due to the cream in the sauce which may separate slightly upon thawing. The chicken itself will be fine, but the sauce's texture might change. If you do freeze it, make sure it's completely cooled, store it in an airtight container, and use it within 1-2 months.
When thawing, do it slowly in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring frequently.
I'm watching my salt intake. How can I reduce the sodium in this lemon black pepper chicken?
Good on you for being mindful! You can easily reduce the sodium. First, use low-sodium chicken broth. Second, be conservative with the added salt taste as you go and add only what's absolutely necessary.
You can also boost the flavor with more lemon juice, black pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley, which can make up for the lack of salt. A bit of lemon zest goes a long way too!
Lemon Black Pepper Chicken Tangy Perfection
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 5g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
