Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of lemon pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika. The chicken is seared to perfection on the stovetop, then baked in the oven with fresh lemon slices and butter to enhance its zesty and savory taste. Garnished with parsley, this dish is both simple to prepare and delicious, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast for full flavor coverage.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown to lock in juices.
- Add Lemons and Butter: Arrange lemon slices on and around the chicken in the skillet. Dot the chicken with small pieces of butter evenly distributed around it for added richness.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in moist meat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your Lemon Pepper Chicken!
Notes
- Use an ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring the chicken to another dish for baking.
- Ensure internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Patting chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Butter adds moisture and richness but can be substituted with olive oil if preferred.
- Lemon slices not only add flavor but also keep the chicken moist during baking.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking ensures tender and juicy results.
