If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavor and comforting creaminess, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is a total winner. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a luscious sauce that combines the tang of lemon pepper seasoning with the richness of butter and cream. It’s the kind of recipe that feels effortless but delivers a truly impressive meal, perfect for weeknights or when you want to wow guests with minimal fuss. I can’t wait to share every detail so you can bring this delicious combination to your own table.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right flavors starts with simple, straightforward ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor, texture, and inviting appearance.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced lengthwise for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
Olive oil: Adds a clean, fruity note and helps create a beautiful sear on the chicken.
Butter: Divided use gives richness to both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings warmth and a subtle kick to the sauce’s base.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect, velvety consistency.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, smooth texture that makes this recipe so comforting.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The star for bright citrus notes and a peppery zing that defines the whole dish.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken cutlets with salt and lemon pepper seasoning — don’t be shy here, as this is where your main flavor foundation is set. Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side until each side boasts a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a moment; this step locks in juiciness and flavor.

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and flour, stirring constantly. This little mix of garlic and flour needs just 30 seconds to a minute of cooking to remove any raw flour taste while infusing the sauce with gorgeous aroma.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking briskly to make a smooth sauce. Add the lemon pepper seasoning here to amplify the zesty, peppery profile. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and watch as the sauce thickens into that irresistibly creamy texture that will coat your chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return your chicken cutlets to the skillet along with any juices they released. Let everything simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes so the chicken cooks completely through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F) and soaks up all those flavors. Adjust the heat carefully to keep it at a gentle simmer without boiling the sauce.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give your creation a taste test and add more salt or pepper if it needs a bit more punch. This final touch ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and bursting with incredible flavor. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the sauce at its silky best.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up this dish with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a few extra twists of freshly cracked black pepper. A light sprinkle of lemon zest adds a beautiful, fresh pop that complements the lemon pepper seasoning to perfection.

Side Dishes

This chicken is rich and creamy, so pairing it with light, simple sides works wonders. Garlic roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad keep things bright. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up the luscious sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-quality look, serve the chicken on a wide white plate with the sauce spooned generously over the top. Add a lemon wedge on the side for an interactive zest kick. You could also layer the chicken over a bed of buttered noodles or risotto, letting the sauce cascade down for a true feast for the eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate any thickened sauce from the chicken if possible, so it stays fresh and the chicken maintains its texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if portioned into individual containers before freezing. Keep both the chicken and sauce together to preserve flavor. When frozen properly, it can last up to 2 months without losing its creamy goodness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This careful reheating keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to increase the cooking time and check that the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. Bone-in pieces add extra flavor but take a bit longer to cook evenly.

Is lemon pepper seasoning the same as just lemon and black pepper?

Lemon pepper seasoning typically blends dried lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and sometimes salt along with other herbs or spices. It’s a more complex and ready-to-use blend that saves you the hassle of mixing individually.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute for the heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour for the sauce?

You can substitute cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. Mix it with a bit of cold water before adding to the skillet to avoid lumps and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

How do I keep the chicken moist and tender?

Cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets ensures quick cooking, preventing drying out. Also, resting the chicken after searing and simmering gently in the sauce locks in moisture perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe — it’s comfort food with a bright, fresh twist that feels both elegant and approachable. The balance of tangy lemon, spicy pepper, and creamy sauce is downright addictive, and once you try it, this recipe will likely become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a whirl and get ready to fall in love with chicken night all over again!