There’s something about a crisp, tangy crust paired with juicy chicken that just hits the spot every time. This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe combines bright, zesty flavors with buttery richness, making it both simple and downright irresistible—perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something special without fuss.

A white pan holds four golden brown chicken pieces cooked with a slightly crispy surface and black pepper spots. They sit in a light brown sauce scattered with small garlic pieces. Lemon slices and zest are placed on and around the chicken, adding bright touches of yellow. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and there is a small bowl of black pepper and a plate with extra lemon slices nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tried this lemon pepper chicken—it was quick, yet tasted like I’d spent hours in the kitchen. The balance of lemon zing and savory butter always wows everyone at the table, and it’s so easy to whip up with pantry staples.

Speedy Preparation: Ready in just about 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Bright, Fresh Flavors: The lemon juice and zest give a fresh pop that lifts the whole dish.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry items—no fancy shopping needed.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Pairs easily with various sides, making it great for family meals or guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this lemon pepper chicken recipe plays its part to create layers of flavor and texture. From the arrowroot powder helping get that beautifully crisp crust to the lemon elements bringing freshness, here’s why I love them all and some tips for picking the best.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with natural texture, a small white ceramic bowl of fine arrowroot powder, a small white bowl filled with lemon pepper seasoning (yellow and black specks), a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl containing golden extra virgin olive oil, a few unwrapped unsalted butter cubes on a white plate, two whole uncracked garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl with fresh bright yellow lemon juice, a whole lemon halved showing juicy interior and fresh lemon zest curls, a small white bowl with pale low-sodium chicken broth, a few sprigs of fresh bright green parsley, and a couple of thin lemon slices arranged neatly — all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Using large, thick breasts keeps the chicken juicy—slicing them in half helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Arrowroot powder (or flour): This light starch crisps the chicken’s surface beautifully without weighing it down like regular flour can.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The star flavor here—go for a good-quality blend with real cracked pepper and dried lemon zest for the best aroma.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the tang of the lemon.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Creates the luscious sauce base and mellows the garlic’s bite.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brightens the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is key—adds vibrant acidity to brighten the whole dish.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Gives depth and balances the lemon’s brightness without overpowering it.
Lemon zest: A final sprinkle of zest delivers intense citrus oils and a beautiful finishing touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this lemon pepper chicken recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your tastes. I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika sometimes for a subtle smoky twist, but you can make it milder or jazz it up however you like.

Variation: I once swapped the chicken breasts for thighs, which gave an even juicier, more flavorful result—great if you want extra richness.
Make it spicy: Adding a bit of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the lemon pepper mix can give you a nice kick.
Herb boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred into the sauce really amps up the aroma.
Gluten-free option: Using arrowroot powder instead of flour keeps it naturally gluten-free without losing the crispy texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of soft white mashed potatoes on the left side, topped lightly with herbs. Next to the potatoes is a golden-brown cooked piece of chicken covered with a light sauce speckled with black pepper and small bits of garlic, garnished with a bright yellow lemon slice on top and a couple more lemon slices beneath it. On the right side of the plate, a bunch of bright green, cooked asparagus stalks lay neatly. A silver fork rests on the plate's edge, and the scene is set on a white marble surface with small bowls of sliced lemons, ground black pepper, and lemon zest nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken With Care

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally. This creates thinner pieces that cook evenly and quickly—no more dry edges while the center’s still raw. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and give you that golden crust we all want.

Step 2: Season Up

Mix the arrowroot powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mix evenly onto both sides of the chicken, pressing it in gently with your hands. This ensures the flavors really soak in while also coating your chicken with a light crust.

Step 3: Sear for Crispy, Flavorful Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place the chicken pieces carefully in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer hits 160 to 165°F. Resist the urge to move them too soon—that crust is worth the patience!

Step 4: Make That Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove the chicken to a plate, then add butter to the hot pan. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then let it simmer and reduce for 1-2 minutes, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. That’s flavor gold right there.

Step 5: Bring It All Together & Serve

Pop the chicken back into the pan with the sauce and spoon it over each piece to coat them well. Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks after making this lemon pepper chicken recipe a bunch of times that really make a difference between good and great. These little pointers helped me get that consistent crisp crust and perfectly bright, buttery sauce every time.

Pat the Chicken Dry: Moisture on chicken keeps it from browning properly, so don’t skip this step for that beautiful golden crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure there’s enough space around each piece to sear well instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Bottled lemon juice doesn’t provide the same vibrant flavor, so fresh is always better.
Watch the Heat: Medium-high is the sweet spot—too hot and butter burns; too low won’t give you that nice sear.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I routinely throw on a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a pop of herbaceous flavor, plus a couple of thin lemon slices on the side—both brighten the plate visually and add an extra hint of lemon as you eat.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines when paired with simple sides like garlicky green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fluffy bed of herbed rice. I also love it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad to keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this lemon pepper chicken sliced thinly over lemony quinoa pilaf, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers. It looks stunning and feels a bit more elevated without extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken stays juicy for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner round two.

Freezing

This lemon pepper chicken recipe freezes well—wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It holds flavor and texture surprisingly well if you follow these steps.

Reheating

I find reheating gently in a skillet over medium-low heat works best, spooning extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. Microwave can dry it out unless you add a splash of broth or cover it tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just adjust your cooking time slightly, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on Lemon Pepper Chicken?

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking over medium-high heat with enough oil for searing is key. Also, avoid moving the chicken too soon; let it develop a golden crust on one side before flipping.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

The lemon garlic butter sauce is best made fresh right after cooking the chicken to capture its bright, fresh flavor. However, you can prepare the lemon juice and zest ahead to save time during cooking.

Is this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use arrowroot powder or a gluten-free flour substitute instead of regular flour. The key is checking the lemon pepper seasoning to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients as well.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe has become such a staple for me because it’s just so reliable—easy to make, full of flavor, and satisfying. I’m confident you’ll love how the bright lemon notes perfectly balance the buttery richness. Give it a try soon—I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to chicken dinners too!