Experience the delightful balance of tangy and spicy with this lemon pepper chicken recipe. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a chicken dish that's well-seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper blend, sautéed to perfection, and then finished off in the oven for a juicy, flavorful result. It's an ideal weeknight meal that's not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
All of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most households. However, the lemon pepper seasoning, which is the star of this dish, might not be readily available in some pantries. It's an aromatic blend of dried lemon zest, black pepper, and other seasonings. When you go to the supermarket, look for it in the spice aisle. Also, if you prefer a fresher taste, consider buying a fresh lemon and a pepper mill for grinding your own black pepper.
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken
Lemon pepper seasoning: This is a flavorful blend of lemon zest, black pepper, and other spices. It's key to giving the chicken its distinctive tangy and spicy taste.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Zucchini: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and also provides a nice textural contrast.
Flour: Used for dredging the chicken, providing a light crispy coating.
Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish. When cooked properly, it's juicy and tender.
Chicken stock: Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
White wine: Adds a bit of acidity and complexity to the sauce.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce and enhances the lemon flavor in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds heat and works well with the lemon flavor.
Garlic powder: Its pungent flavor complements the other spices and adds depth to the dish.
Parsley: Used as a garnish, it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
One reader, Jacquelynn Weller says:
This lemon pepper chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the chicken turns out tender and juicy every time. The zesty lemon and pepper combination adds a refreshing twist to a classic dish. It's now a family favorite in our household!
Techniques for Preparing Lemon Pepper Chicken
How to fry zucchini and green onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry the zucchini and green onions with 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
How to dredge chicken breasts: Mix together flour and 1½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
How to make the sauce: Combine wine, chicken stock, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of leftover flour mixture, and garlic powder in a jar. Shake well to combine. Pour the mixture into a warm skillet while whisking and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 minute, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to bake the lemon pepper chicken: Cover the casserole dish or dutch oven and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Then, remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
How To Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
The sharp sourness of the lemon helps in making this lemon pepper chicken dish flavorful and tender. Add pepper to create flavor dimensions.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½tsplemon pepper seasoning,divided
- 3tbspolive oil,divided
- 6green onions,sliced
- 1medium zucchini,sliced, or 8 oz mushrooms
- ⅓cupflour
- 4chicken breasts
Sauce:
- ½cupchicken stock
- ¼cupwhite wine
- 1small lemon,juiced
- 1tbspflour,I use flour from the dredge mixture
- ½tspMcCormick Ground Black Pepper
- ½tspMcCormick Garlic Powder
- parsley,for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Fry zucchini, 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning, and green onion for about 2 to 3 minutes. Place in bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish or dutch oven.
-
Mix together flour and 1½ teaspoons of the lemon pepper seasoning. Dredge chicken breasts in flour mixture.
-
Add olive oil to a skillet and brown chicken over medium-high heat until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Place on top of zucchini
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Place wine, broth, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the leftover flour mixture and garlic powder in a jar and shake well to combine.
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Pour into a warm skillet while whisking and bring to a boil. Simmer 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over chicken breasts.
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Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
- Calories: 481.59kcal
- Fat: 27.04g
- Saturated Fat: 6.24g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.69g
- Carbohydrates: 16.40g
- Fiber: 2.05g
- Sugar: 2.73g
- Protein: 39.74g
- Cholesterol: 112.26mg
- Sodium: 163.82mg
- Calcium: 65.93mg
- Potassium: 676.94mg
- Iron: 2.76mg
- Vitamin A: 73.35µg
- Vitamin C: 23.27mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Lemon Pepper Chicken
When browning the chicken breasts, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This is because overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which may affect the overall flavor of the dish. Also, remember to pat the chicken dry before dredging it in the flour mixture. This will help the flour stick better and create a nice, crispy crust when you brown it. Lastly, don't rush the browning process. Let each side of the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden color and a flavorful crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting the cooking process to save time and minimize interruptions.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while the chicken is cooking, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
One-pot meals: Consider making one-pot meals that require less cleanup and cooking time, such as casseroles or skillet dishes.
Prep ahead: Prepping ingredients in advance, such as marinating the chicken or chopping vegetables the night before, can significantly reduce cooking time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like food processors, slow cookers, or pressure cookers to streamline the cooking process and save time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming adjustments or fixes during the cooking process.
Clean as you go: Clean up spills and wash dishes while cooking to prevent a pile-up of dishes and maintain an organized workspace.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
lemon pepper seasoning - Substitute with lemon zest and black pepper: Lemon zest and black pepper can provide a similar citrusy and peppery flavor to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish or ingredient in place of green onions.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for zucchini in recipes.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour for sauces and coatings.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in recipes.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can provide a similar savory flavor and can be used as a substitute for chicken stock in recipes.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add depth of flavor and moisture to the dish, similar to white wine.
lemon - Substitute with vinegar and sugar: A combination of vinegar and sugar can mimic the tangy and acidic flavor of lemon in recipes.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour in recipes for those with gluten sensitivities.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly different flavor compared to black pepper in recipes.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a fresh alternative to garlic powder, adding a more intense garlic flavor to the dish.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a fresh and flavorful alternative to parsley in recipes.
Presenting Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the lemon pepper chicken on the plate with precision, ensuring each component is visually appealing and balanced.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Incorporate artistic sauce drizzle: Use a squeeze bottle to create an elegant and artistic drizzle of the lemon and white wine sauce around the chicken, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
- Utilize complementary side dishes: Pair the lemon pepper chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a delicate quinoa salad to enhance the overall dining experience.
- Consider plate shapes and sizes: Choose the appropriate plate to showcase the dish, ensuring it complements the colors and textures of the lemon pepper chicken.
- Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish in a visually pleasing manner, paying attention to symmetry and balance on the plate.
- Highlight the zucchini and green onions: Showcase the sautéed zucchini and green onions as a vibrant and flavorful base for the chicken, ensuring they are prominently displayed.
- Create a focal point: Position the chicken as the focal point of the dish, drawing attention to its succulent appearance and enticing aroma.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Pepper Chicken
To store leftover lemon pepper chicken, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating refrigerated lemon pepper chicken, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain food safety. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
For longer storage, you can freeze the lemon pepper chicken. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen lemon pepper chicken can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight.
When reheating frozen lemon pepper chicken, it's best to thaw it first in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you want to freeze the lemon pepper chicken with the sauce, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover lemon pepper chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the chicken in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
For a quick and easy method, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover lemon pepper chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can become rubbery.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover chicken, you can slice it and sauté it in a pan with some olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This method works well if you plan to use the chicken in a salad, sandwich, or wrap.
Another option is to shred the leftover lemon pepper chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Simply heat the shredded chicken in a pan with some salsa or enchilada sauce until it's warm and tender.
Interesting Fact About Lemon Pepper Chicken
The recipe contains lemon pepper seasoning which adds a zesty and tangy flavor to the dish.
Is Making Lemon Pepper Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This lemon pepper chicken recipe offers a good balance of cost-effectiveness. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, zucchini, and green onions keeps the overall cost reasonable. However, the addition of white wine and chicken stock may slightly elevate the cost. Considering the flavor and nutritional value, this recipe earns a solid 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Is Lemon Pepper Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon pepper chicken recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it incorporates lean protein from the chicken breasts and nutrients from the zucchini and green onions. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, and the lemon juice adds a burst of vitamin C. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The recipe calls for dredging the chicken in flour, which adds extra carbohydrates and calories. While the amount used is relatively small, it could be reduced or eliminated to make the dish lower in carbs and calories.
- The sauce contains white wine, which adds extra calories and alcohol. While the alcohol will likely cook off during the baking process, it could be replaced with additional chicken stock or water to reduce the calorie content.
- The recipe doesn't specify the type of chicken stock used. Opting for a low-sodium variety would help control the overall sodium content of the dish.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free option
- Use a larger proportion of vegetables to chicken, increasing the nutrient density of the dish
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt, such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika
- Serve the chicken with a side of quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Top the finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
This lemon pepper chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of zesty flavors and succulent chicken. The combination of lemon pepper seasoning, white wine, and garlic creates a harmonious balance that elevates the dish. The addition of green onions and zucchini adds a refreshing and vibrant touch. The cooking method ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy, while the sauce brings everything together with a burst of savory goodness. Overall, this recipe is a delightful choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful and succulent dish, with the lemon pepper seasoning infusing a zesty tang into the chicken breasts. The use of olive oil and white wine ensures a rich and aromatic base, while the addition of zucchini and green onions provides a delightful texture and freshness. The sauce is a harmonious blend of chicken stock, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic powder, elevating the overall taste. With meticulous attention to detail and a balance of flavors, this recipe is a testament to culinary excellence.
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