Lemon Pepper Chicken (2024)

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by Stephanie on February 5, 2023 (Updated April 16, 2024)40*This post may contain affiliate links. Read more »

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This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is easy to make on the stove top to serve with pasta, potatoes, vegetables, and more! The award-winning sauce is perfectly seasoned and has a the best balance of tart, creamy, and savory!

Be sure to serve this with a side of Greens and Beans and try my Chicken and Orzo next!

Lemon Pepper Chicken

I am soooo happy that you’ve found thisincredible Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe! The flavor profile in this dish is so well balanced, you won’t be able to stop eating it! (Luckily, there is plenty of this addicting sauce to go around.)

The sauce is tart, yet creamy. It’s savory, while also being subtly sweet, and it’s perfectly seasoned.

This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, potatoes, vegetables, or just a simple side salad! See below for links to my pairing suggestions, and don’t miss my PRO tips as well!

How to Make It

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Season each side with lemon pepper seasoning and dredge it in flour. Sear in olive oil and set aside.

Add white wine to the same skillet. Use a silicone spatula to “clean” the pan and let the liquid bubble gently and reduce by half. Add the garlic and butter.

Lemon Pepper Chicken (2)

Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle bubble. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Lemon Pepper Chicken (3)

Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. Stir in the lemon juice and add the chicken back. Spoon the sauce on top. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add lemon slices during the last minute. Garnish with parsley and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper. Serve!

Lemon Pepper Chicken (4)

Pro Tips

  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Redmond Real Salt lemon pepper seasoning is my favorite brand for seasoning this chicken, it also contains sea salt and has a lot of great flavor. (Use promo code ‘COZY‘ for 15% off!) Some brands (like McCormick) can be potent so be aware of that and consider using less on the chicken.
  • Wine: Sauvignon Blanc is the best wine to use in this recipe, followed by Chardonnay, and then Pinot Grigio. Chicken broth can be used if you don’t cook with wine.
  • Cheese:Shred the cheese from a block, it will melt and taste much better than packaged shredded cheese. I use Belgioioso Parmesan.
  • Capers and/or spinach can be added to the sauce at the end of cooking if desired.

What to Serve With Lemon Pepper Chicken

  • Potatoes: Roasted, Mashed, Greek, Wedges, Scalloped, Grilled, Skillet.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Asparagus, Green Beans, Carrots.
  • Pasta:Buttered Noodles, Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Herb Pasta, Mushroom Ravioli.
  • Garlic Bread with Cheese.
  • See all of my Side Dish Recipes here.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers do freeze well!
  • If reheating from frozen: Thaw leftover chicken overnight in the fridge (or defrost it in the microwave) and then bake it in a small, lightly greased, covered casserole dish at 350° for 20-25 minutes.

Lemon Pepper Chicken (6)

Tools For This Recipe

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Try These Next

Garlic Butter Shrimp
Chicken and Orzo
Creamy Chicken Pasta

Pan Fried Pork Chops
Cajun Shrimp
Stuffed Chicken Breast

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Lemon Pepper Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

5 from 17 ratings

Servings: 4 people

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This Lemon Pepper Chicken is an easy stove top recipe with the most flavorful sauce that pairs well with potatoes, pasta, vegetables, garlic bread, or salad!

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon EACH: mustard powder, parsley, oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon coarse black pepper

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Pepper Seasoning, see notes
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Other

  • ½ cup dry white wine, see notes
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • Freshly cracked pepper, for serving

Instructions

Prep Work

  • Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.

Make the Chicken

  • Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick.

  • Season each side with lemon pepper seasoning. Sprinkle with flour and rub it over the surface of each side. (The flour gives it a little texture and prevents it from sticking to the skillet. It also thickens the sauce a little more at the end.)

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • Turn the heat off. Add the wine and then set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, the “fond” will add more flavor to the sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce by half, about 3 minutes.

  • Add the butter and the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

  • Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, until the raw flour smell is cooked off.

  • Add the chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. (This is the mixture that we combined in step 1 of prep work.)

  • Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a gentle bubble. Let it simmer and reduce for 5 minutes. During this time the flavors will meld, and the sauce will thicken and concentrate.

  • Reduce heat to low. Slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously, until melted and combined. Slowly stir in the lemon juice.

  • Add the chicken back and spoon the sauce on top. Let it simmer and reduce for 4 minutes, uncovered. Add the fresh lemon wedges to the skillet and simmer for 1 more minute. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley and freshly cracked pepper, then serve!

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Redmond Real Salt lemon pepper seasoning is my favorite brand for seasoning this chicken, it also contains sea salt and has a lot of great flavor. (Use promo code 'COZY' for 15% off!) Some brands (like McCormick) can be potent so be aware of that and consider using less on the chicken.
  • Wine: Sauvignon Blanc is the best wine to use in this recipe, followed by Chardonnay, and then Pinot Grigio. Chicken broth can be used if you don’t cook with wine.
  • Cheese:Shred the cheese from a block, it will melt and taste much better than packaged shredded cheese. I use Belgioioso Parmesan.
  • Capers and/or spinach can be added to the sauce at the end of cooking if desired.
  • Pairing Suggestions: See blog post for links to my my recommended side dishes.

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers do freeze well!
  • If reheating from frozen: Thaw leftover chicken overnight in the fridge (or defrost it in the microwave) and then bake it in a small, lightly greased, covered casserole dish at 350° for 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional information is an estimate and is per serving. There are 4 servings in this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 961mg, Potassium: 382mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 854IU, Vitamin C: 24mg, Calcium: 123mg, Iron: 2mg

Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Stephanie

Chicken Recipes Dinner Freezer Food Our Favorite Recipes

posted by Stephanie on February 5, 2023 — 40 Comments »

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Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

40 comments on “Lemon Pepper Chicken”

  1. Francine April 7, 2024 @ 3:26 pm Reply

    My family loved the Lemon pepper chicken!!! I like homemade sauces because it brings out the flavors to a gourmet level. I also like to have control over the ingredients. My daughter and I do not tolerate gluten well so I used gluten free oat flour. The sauce was creamy and very tasty. I was on a tight schedule so I prepared the ingredients in advance, went to my appointment and cooked the meal upon my return. It was quick and easy. This is a meal I would not hesitate to make when we have friends over.

    • Stephanie April 7, 2024 @ 8:36 pm Reply

      I’m so happy it was such a success Francine, especially with the gluten free oat flour! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!❤️

  2. Lily March 28, 2024 @ 1:41 am Reply

    Hi! this looks amazing! What would you suggest to make this dairy free?
    Thanks in advance!

    • Stephanie March 28, 2024 @ 11:30 am Reply

      Hi Lily! I’m not dairy free so I haven’t tested this recipe with dairy-free products.❤️ I know they have many dairy-free alternatives on the market now though 🙂

  3. Deena February 20, 2024 @ 8:42 am Reply

    Sounds good but I can’t see where the brown sugar from ingredients list goes in.

    • Stephanie February 20, 2024 @ 9:06 am Reply

      Hi Deena, it’s in the first step, ” For the sauce: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, honey, heavy cream, and seasonings. Set aside.” 🩷

  4. Anna December 6, 2023 @ 6:52 pm Reply

    Delicious! My family loved it.

    • Stephanie December 6, 2023 @ 7:07 pm Reply

      I’m sooo happy to hear that Anna! We just love this one! Thank you so much for the review!

  5. Alexandra Sawyer December 4, 2023 @ 10:50 am Reply

    The sauce is incredible! Anything lemon-pepper is a win for me. Love this recipe.

    • Stephanie December 4, 2023 @ 7:46 pm Reply

      Thanks for the great comments Alexandra! You actually just reminded me of this one, it’s been awhile and I’m due to make it!

  6. Katlyn November 13, 2023 @ 4:19 pm Reply

    This was really tasty! It had a super fresh and citrusy taste, which is my favorite! I made it with potatoes and will try it with pasta next, the sauce is tooooo good to not use all of!

    • Stephanie November 13, 2023 @ 6:01 pm Reply

      Hi Katlyn! I’m so happy that you loved the flavors in this recipe- it’s one of my favorites. I have a slight obsessed with lemon and chicken combinations these days! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it!! -Stephanie

  7. Mary Reineke November 1, 2023 @ 12:04 pm Reply

    My 15 year old daughter and I made this together last night and followed the recipe exactly. It was very easy to cook and tasted amazing! I will be making this all the time now. Thank you!

    • Stephanie November 1, 2023 @ 12:23 pm Reply

      I’m soooo happy that you and your daughter loved this Mary! This is definitely one of my top favorite chicken dishes! I love that you two made this together as well, that is just fabulous! Thank you so much for the review! -Stephanie 🙂

  8. Joe H May 23, 2023 @ 5:21 pm Reply

    Awesome. Made today it with pasta.

    • Stephanie May 23, 2023 @ 7:15 pm Reply

      Hey Joe! I’m sooo happy to hear that you loved the recipe!! WOO! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! -Stephanie

  9. Lin May 15, 2023 @ 1:25 am Reply

    Made this for my family for Mother’s Day today and it was a hit! I will definitely add it to my repertoire. Thank you for sharing it!

    • Stephanie May 15, 2023 @ 10:49 am Reply

      You’re very welcome! I’m so happy it was a Mother’s Day success, nice work Lin. Thanks so much for the great review!💖

  10. Elyse March 20, 2023 @ 10:50 pm Reply

    Made it for my husband tonight and we were both blown outta the park! This is so delicious!

    • Stephanie March 21, 2023 @ 9:17 am Reply

      I’m so happy to hear that Elyse! Thanks so much for the great comments and review!💖

Lemon Pepper Chicken (2024)

FAQs

What is lemon pepper seasoning made of? ›

Lemon zest: Dried lemon zest is the key ingredient and adds all the zesty, tangy flavor. Lime zest would also work. Black pepper: Ideally you want to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Kosher salt: Kosher salt or sea salt works best.

What does adding lemon juice to chicken do? ›

Acid: Both lemon juice and vinegar contain acid, which helps to break down the muscle fibers in meat, making it more tender. This is especially helpful for tougher cuts of meat, such as flank steak or chicken thighs. Flavor: The acid in lemon juice and vinegar can also help to infuse the meat with flavor.

Can I use lemon juice and pepper instead of lemon pepper seasoning? ›

What Can I Substitute For Lemon Pepper Seasoning? If you're really in a pinch and don't have time to run to the store or make this easy recipe, I do have a substitute trick! You can simply use a bit of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Why is lemon pepper seasoning so good? ›

It may sound simple, but lemon pepper seasoning contains the fundamentals of flavor in a single spice blend. Acidity, umami, salinity, and a touch of heat are building blocks of flavor that add dimension to savory cooking.

What's the difference between lemon pepper and lemon pepper seasoning? ›

What is the difference between lemon pepper and lemon pepper seasoning? Lemon pepper is exactly what it sounds like. The spice stays true to its name and combines lemon zest with cracked black peppercorns. However, lemon pepper seasoning typically includes salt and other spices.

What is lemon pepper sauce made of? ›

The lemon pepper sauce is made with butter, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon (juice and zest), honey, and hot sauce. Then you toss the sauce with your air-fried chicken wings—it takes less than five minutes to whip up this sauce!

Do you put lemon on chicken before or after cooking? ›

Method
  1. Marinate chicken: Place lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large, non-reactive bowl, whisk to combine. ...
  2. Place chicken in baking dish, brush with butter: ...
  3. Bake and baste with marinade: ...
  4. Let the chicken rest: ...
  5. Save meat juices to serve with chicken:

Why do you rub lemon on chicken before cooking? ›

Like pickling, smoking, and curing, the practice of rinsing chicken with lemon juice probably started out as a way to neutralize any off-aromas in the meat and cut down on bacteria.

Why put a lemon in a chicken? ›

The benefits of the hot steaming lemon going into the chicken are very obvious as the meat tastes amazing, and the chicken cooks slightly quicker because of it. Rub the chicken inside and out with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Why is my lemon pepper seasoning clumpy? ›

Most home cooks can't use up the whole jar before the quality starts fading. Your spices may have clumped because they were exposed to moisture or heat over time; either way, their flavor is likely diminished.

How do you fix too much lemon pepper seasoning? ›

Dilution: The most straightforward approach is to dilute the excess lemon flavor by adding more of the other ingredients in your recipe. For example, if you're making a batter or dough, you can increase the quantities of flour, sugar, or other dry ingredients to balance the flavor.

Is lemon pepper good or bad for you? ›

Nutritional Value

Lemon zest is high in vitamin C and fiber, which helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. Lemon pepper seasoning is also a zero-calorie seasoning and can be found with little to no sodium, making it an ideal spice blend for heart-healthy diets.

What is in McCormick lemon pepper seasoning? ›

SALT, BLACK PEPPER, CITRIC ACID, ONION, SUGAR, GARLIC, CALCIUM STEARATE , SILICON DIOXIDE, AND CALCIUM SILICATE (TO MAKE FREE FLOWING), CELERY SEED, LEMON OIL, AND FD&C YELLOW NO. 5 LAKE.

Is lemon pepper anti inflammatory? ›

Lemon pepper contains a variety of secondary metabolites such as phenols, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and steroids. Limonene in lemon pepper is known to have antioxidant and anti- inflammatory activity [4].

Does lemon pepper seasoning ever go bad? ›

Lawry's® Lemon Pepper Seasoning has a shelf life of 540 days when tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place, to protect against flavor loss and moisture. Avoid exposure to heat, humidity, direct sunlight and fluorescent light to maintain flavor and color.

What's in Trader Joe's lemon pepper seasoning? ›

INGREDIENTS: BLACK PEPPERCORNS, SEA SALT, ONION, LEMON RIND, GARLIC, LEMON OIL, CITRIC ACID.

Is it OK to eat lemon pepper seasoning? ›

On its own, lemon pepper is a perfectly cromulent flavor. It's got enough personality to sprinkle over a side of steamed vegetables or to dust onto chicken thighs before throwing them into a blazing-hot oven for a quick dinner.

What is the other name for lemon pepper? ›

The Lemon Drop pepper, Ají Limón or Ají Limo, is a hot, citrus-like, lemon-flavored pepper which is a popular seasoning pepper in Peru, where it is known as qillu uchu.

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