Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken cutlets sautéed to a perfect golden brown and finished with a zesty, buttery lemon pepper sauce. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that pairs wonderfully with rice or your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or boneless thighs or chicken tenders*)
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 medium lemon (about 1 teaspoon zest)
- 2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tsp freshly chopped parsley (plus more to garnish)
Instructions
- Cut Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets, which will cook evenly and faster.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets, gently pressing it into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
- Sauté: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken cutlets to the pan and sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until they develop a golden brown crust and the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and let it rest.
- Prepare Butter Sauce: Turn off the heat but keep the skillet on the burner. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot pan, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken as the butter melts. Stir in the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning, and 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Return the chicken cutlets to the pan and turn them to coat thoroughly in the lemon butter sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the top before serving. Pair the chicken with white rice or your preferred grain and vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Chicken thighs or tenders can be used as alternatives to chicken breasts.
- Use freshly ground lemon pepper seasoning for the best flavor.
- Check chicken doneness with an instant-read thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Butter sauce can be adjusted with more or less lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
