Melissa's Lemon Pepper Chicken
Bursting with bright citrus flavor and a touch of heat, Melissa's Lemon Pepper Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce, layered with freshly ground black pepper and zesty aromatics for a bold, tangy punch. This 40-minute recipe combines easy cooking techniques—like whisking a simple roux and infusing chicken broth with fresh lemon juice—for a velvety sauce that elevates every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad. Whether it's a quick family dinner or an elegant meal for entertaining, this lemon pepper chicken recipe delivers vibrant flavors and satisfying comfort in every bite. Keywords: lemon pepper chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, citrus garlic butter sauce, quick weeknight meals.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts
- 2 whole Lemon
- 2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
Directions
Step 1
Begin by zesting one of the lemons to yield about 2 teaspoons of zest. Then, juice both lemons to get approximately 1/4 cup of fresh juice. Set aside.
Step 2
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 6
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top so they're evenly coated. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 8
Finish off by stirring in the remaining tablespoon of butter and sprinkling the dish with the remaining freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley.
Step 9
Serve immediately with your choice of side: rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1167.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1853.4 |
| Total Fat 91.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 27.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g | |
| Cholesterol 634.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4615.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 29.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.5g | |
| Protein 221.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 170.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 540.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories