Name: Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds); 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or flour of choice); 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon); ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Optional: garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices

There’s something truly comforting about the zesty pop of citrus paired with a subtle peppery kick—this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is just that. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for when you want a dinner that feels fresh but comes together with almost no fuss.

The image shows a white pan filled with four cooked chicken pieces, each golden brown with a slightly charred texture, sprinkled with small bits of garlic and black pepper. The chicken is partly covered by a light brown sauce with a glossy surface, pooling around the edges. Slices and wedges of bright yellow lemon are placed on and around the chicken, adding a fresh contrast. The white marbled surface beneath the pan is visible, and small bowls containing pepper and lemon slices sit nearby. The scene is bright and focused, highlighting the juicy and textured look of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this lemon pepper chicken—it was one of those "wow, this tastes like restaurant quality but only took 15 minutes" moments. It’s a perfect balance of tangy lemon and that crackly pepper crust that you just can’t resist.

Speedy and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Bursting with Flavor: The lemon pepper seasoning and garlic butter sauce create a bright, savory profile that keeps you coming back for more.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these staples in your kitchen, so no need for fancy specialty items.
Versatile for Any Meal: Whether for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it pairs well with countless sides and garnishes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this lemon pepper chicken recipe plays a part in creating that perfect harmony. The arrowroot powder crisps up the chicken beautifully, while the fresh lemon juice and zest give that zingy brightness you’re after.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white arrowroot powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse lemon pepper seasoning (yellow and black specks), a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy unsalted butter cubes, two whole uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh bright yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden low-sodium chicken broth, a fresh lemon half with bright yellow zest visible, a few sprigs of vibrant green freshly chopped parsley, and thin lemon slices with pale yellow rind arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Using large, thick breasts means juicy meat that cooks evenly when cut in half horizontally.
Arrowroot powder: This helps create a light, crisp coating, though you can swap with any flour you have on hand.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The star of the dish, this seasoning blends citrus zing with peppery warmth effortlessly.
Kosher salt: Just enough salt balances the flavors without overpowering the lemon.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for searing without burning.
Unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce with creamy richness and helps soften the garlic.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic complements the lemon without becoming overpowering.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens and adds acidity to the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates depth in the sauce while keeping it light.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, aromatic lemon punch as a finishing touch.
Parsley and lemon slices (optional): Garnishes that bring color and an extra hint of freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most is how easy it is to tweak this lemon pepper chicken recipe to your preferences. Whether you want more heat, more herbs, or a different cooking method, it’s all fair game!

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix—it’s a little smoky twist that makes the crust extra delicious.
Herb boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred into the sauce gives it a lovely earthy aroma I’m crazy about.
Spice it up: If you’re into heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Cooking swap: Grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing works wonderfully when the weather’s nice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with three main layers: on the left side, there is a soft white mound of mashed potatoes sprinkled lightly with green herbs; in the center, a golden-brown cooked chicken piece covered in a light brown sauce with visible black pepper and small bits, topped with two thin yellow lemon slices and a small lemon wedge; on the right side, five bright green steamed asparagus spears laid parallel to the chicken; under the chicken, several lemon slices are also visible through the sauce. A silver fork rests on the left edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of lemon slices, a small white plate with lemon zest, and a dark bowl with coarsely ground black pepper around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

First things first, I slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to get thinner pieces that cook evenly. Then, I mix the arrowroot powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt in a small bowl. I sprinkle this seasoning mix liberally over both sides of the chicken, pressing it in gently. This step creates that irresistible golden crust later on, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Perfectly

Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side—this helps develop that crust. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until an instant-read thermometer reads between 160 and 165°F. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest briefly; this keeps it juicy.

Step 3: Whip Up the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, toss in butter and let it melt gently. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring and letting it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken slightly and marry all those flavors.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the lemon garlic sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with lemon zest. If you want, add fresh parsley and lemon slices for color and a burst of fresh aroma. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Top Tip

This lemon pepper chicken recipe became a staple in my weeknight rotation because of some simple adjustments I learned along the way that make all the difference.

Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, make sure the pieces are patted dry. It helps the coating stick and crisp up beautifully.
Don't Crowd the Pan: Leaving space between chicken pieces ensures they sear instead of steam.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice always trumps bottled for that vibrant, tangy edge.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes keeps the juices locked in so each bite is tender and juicy.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

lemon pepper chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish with freshly chopped parsley and thin lemon slices—it brightens the plate and adds a fresh herbal note. If I want to get fancy, a few sprigs of thyme or even a sprinkle of zest right before serving really take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes. For veggies, I love serving it alongside roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad to balance the lemony richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a celebratory meal, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of herbed couscous or quinoa, drizzle some extra lemon garlic sauce, and add a colorful medley of steamed baby carrots and snap peas. It looks elegant but is so easy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftover lemon pepper chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds well and keeps its flavor without drying out.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this chicken! Just wrap it tightly or place in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months. I recommend freezing before adding the lemon sauce and making that fresh later for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven covered with foil to keep the chicken moist. Add a splash of broth or lemon juice to refresh the sauce while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and work really well with this recipe—just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer.

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning, not overcrowding the pan, and letting the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking all help keep it juicy and tender.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using arrowroot powder (as in the recipe) is naturally gluten-free and a perfect alternative to flour to get that crispy crust.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This lemon pepper chicken recipe has become one of my personal favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between simple and special, fast and flavorful. It always brightens up my dinner table and gets compliments every time I serve it. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy it is to create something truly delicious with just a handful of ingredients and a little love in the kitchen.