Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and juicy meal featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with a vibrant lemon pepper spice blend, then seared and baked to perfection. Finished with buttery lemon slices and fresh parsley, it’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a well-balanced spice rub.
- Prepare chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Add lemon and butter: Arrange lemon slices on top and around the chicken in the skillet. Dot the chicken with small pieces of butter to add flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Make sure to use an ovenproof skillet to safely transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked.
- For extra zest, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
- You can substitute butter with ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
