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Irresistible Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy lemon pepper chicken recipe featuring just five main ingredients, delivering a bright, flavorful, and juicy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/2 inch thickness
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch thick.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, salt (if using), and lemon zest.
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Heat a heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Place chicken breasts in the pan spaced apart and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Squeeze lemon juice evenly over the chicken in the pan and let it bubble and reduce slightly for about 1 minute to create a light glaze.
  8. Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Notes

If chicken browns too fast, reduce heat and cover loosely with foil to finish cooking without drying out. Do not skip resting the chicken to keep it juicy. For extra flavor, add a touch of butter to the pan after searing for basting. Fresh cracked black pepper is preferred over pre-ground for better aroma and flavor. Avoid marinating chicken in lemon juice overnight to prevent texture changes.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, 5-ingredient chicken, healthy chicken, weeknight dinner, lemon chicken

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/irresistible-lemon-pepper-chicken-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-dinner-idea/