Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty blend of lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, onion, and cracked black pepper. Searing the chicken on the stovetop before finishing it in the oven creates a golden, flavorful crust while keeping the meat moist inside. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner with bright citrus notes, this dish serves four and can be paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
- Mix seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and salt until well blended.
- Season chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, coating thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Sear chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake chicken: Transfer the skillet with the chicken breasts into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) ensuring they are safely cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check chicken doneness for the juiciest results.
- Allowing chicken to rest after baking helps keep it moist and tender.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad.
