Description
Zesty lemon pepper chicken delivers a flavor explosion straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with tangy citrus and bold pepper create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–2.5 pounds total)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
Fats and Garnish:
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
- Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Configure the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even heating environment for optimal chicken preparation.
- Arrange fresh lemon slices uniformly across the bottom of a ceramic or glass baking dish, creating a fragrant citrus base.
- Season chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, carefully positioning them atop the lemon slices to absorb the zesty essence.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, additional salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a vibrant, aromatic coating.
- Massage the herbal butter mixture thoroughly onto the chicken surface, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Transfer the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 25-28 minutes for boneless breasts or 35-40 minutes for bone-in thighs.
- Midway through cooking, delicately baste the chicken with additional melted butter to enhance moisture and prevent drying.
- Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature, which should reach precisely 161°F (72°C) using a digital meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat.
- Finish by drizzling extra lemon-infused butter and garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, elegant presentation.
Notes
- Grab bold, zesty flavors by mastering this simple yet mouthwatering lemon pepper chicken technique that transforms ordinary poultry into a restaurant-worthy dish.
- Softened butter acts as a magical flavor carrier, helping lemon pepper seasoning cling perfectly to chicken while creating a golden, crispy exterior.
- Basting midway through cooking ensures juicy meat and prevents drying, allowing the buttery lemon pepper blend to penetrate deeper into the chicken.
- Resting chicken after baking allows hot juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each bite remains succulent and packed with intense seasoning notes.
- Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant pop of color and subtle herbal freshness that complements the tangy, peppery undertones of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg