Easy Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts
These easy zesty lemon pepper chicken breasts are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Choose your preferred cooking method: baking, pan-frying, or grilling.
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Pepper Seasoning adjust to taste based on salt content
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for pan-frying, optional
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
Prep
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice them horizontally if they are very thick to create ¾ inch cutlets for even cooking.
- Sprinkle a liberal amount of lemon pepper seasoning over all sides of each chicken breast and rub it in to ensure full coverage.
Cook Your Way:
- For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place seasoned chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For pan-frying, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high and grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through with char marks and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finish
- After cooking, remove chicken and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve warm, optionally with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for enhanced flavor.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the pan or grill when cooking. Adjust lemon pepper seasoning to your preference. Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.