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To make Minute Lemon Pepper Chicken, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt to taste These basics create a tasty and quick meal for everyone. Fresh ingredients bring this dish to life. The lemon zest adds bright notes. Fresh lemon juice balances the rich taste of chicken. Black pepper gives a nice kick. Garlic powder adds depth without being overpowering. Together, they create a burst of flavor in every bite. Garnishing makes the dish more appealing. I love to use fresh parsley. It adds a lovely green color and fresh taste. You can also use lemon slices for extra zest. These small touches make your plate look and taste better. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make a great marinade, start with a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Now, add 2 teaspoons of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Don't forget to add salt to taste. Stir everything well. This mix will give your chicken a zesty flavor. Now, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each breast is covered well. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Make sure they are in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). When done, take the chicken out of the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. After resting, slice the chicken into pieces. Arrange the sliced chicken on a nice platter. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top. This adds extra flavor and keeps it moist. If you want, you can garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a nice color and freshness to the dish. Serve your Minute Lemon Pepper Chicken with sides like rice or salad for a full meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! To marinate chicken well, mix the marinade in a bowl first. Use olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Ensure all ingredients blend well. Add the chicken and coat each piece evenly. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and moisture to the chicken. Juicy chicken breasts need careful cooking. First, use medium-high heat on your skillet. This helps to sear the chicken well. Cook each side for about five minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest. This lets the juices distribute evenly, making each bite tender. To save time, prepare your marinade while the skillet heats. This cuts down on wait time. Also, use a large skillet to cook all chicken pieces at once. If you have leftovers, slice them to cool faster. You can also double the recipe for meal prep. Enjoy your delicious meal in just 30 minutes! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Intense Flavor: If time permits, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even up to 2 hours. This will enhance the flavors, making the chicken even more delicious. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Ensure the chicken breasts are spaced out in the skillet. Crowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that lovely golden crust. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of Minute Lemon Pepper Chicken by adding herbs. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a nice touch. Just chop them up and mix them into the marinade. You can also try dry herbs, like oregano or basil, for a different taste. If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. They will bring a nice kick to the dish. You don't have to use a skillet to cook this chicken. You can grill it for a smoky flavor. Just heat the grill and cook the chicken for about five minutes on each side. You can also bake it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Pairing your chicken with the right sides makes the meal special. A fresh salad with greens adds crunch and color. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling option. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, add health benefits and taste. For a comforting dish, mashed potatoes work well too. Each side brings a new layer to this tasty chicken. After you enjoy your Minute Lemon Pepper Chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Refrigerate it within two hours to prevent bacteria growth. Properly stored, it will last for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If you use a microwave, cover the chicken to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, checking often. In a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. Heat on medium until warm. If you want to save your lemon pepper chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the chicken into slices and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps keep the flavor intact. You should marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This short time allows the flavors to seep in. The olive oil, lemon juice, and spices create a tasty mix. If you have more time, marinate it for up to an hour. This will deepen the flavor even more. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, making them juicier. They also add a rich taste to the dish. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Cook thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Lemon pepper chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Steamed broccoli or green beans for freshness - Rice or quinoa for a filling base - A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light touch - Mashed potatoes for comfort and heartiness These sides balance the zesty chicken well and make your meal complete. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post walked you through making delicious lemon pepper chicken. You learned about essential ingredients, fresh flavors, and tasty garnishes. The step-by-step guide showed how to prepare, cook, and serve the chicken. Tips helped you marinate well and keep the meat juicy. You discovered variations and storage info for leftovers, making this dish flexible. By using these methods, you can enjoy a fantastic meal every time. Happy cooking!

Zesty Minute Lemon Pepper Chicken

A quick and flavorful chicken dish with a zesty lemon and pepper marinade.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • None to taste salt
  • None for garnish fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by marinating the chicken breasts. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the cooking area.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help to retain the juices.
  • Slice the chicken, arrange it on a platter, and drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top for added flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices.
Keyword chicken, easy, lemon, pepper, quick