Lemon Pepper Chicken

By Sabine Venier

Updated Dec 4, 2024

This lemon pepper chicken has the perfect balance of earthy, acidic, and spicy flavors! I love the tanginess of the lemon and capers paired with the spiciness of the lemon pepper seasoning– the more pepper, the better! The savory sauce is so delectable that I could lick the whole plate clean.

Similar to chicken piccata, this lemon pepper chicken is cooked in a bright lemony sauce seasoned with garlic and capers. However, lemon pepper chicken has a spicy, peppery kick that I just love! It’s a fun variation to make on a classic dish.

What’s in This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe?

Chicken: I prefer to make this recipe with tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts over thighs.
Seasonings : Lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt infuse the chicken with so much flavor.
Garlic: Creates a savory base for the sauce.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth adds moisture and umami flavor to the sauce.
Lemon: A combination of fresh lemon juice and zest makes the sauce super fresh and lemony!
Capers: Add a bit of briny flavor to the dish.
Honey: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the lemon.
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the sauce to a gravy-like consistency.

lemon pepper chicken in a pan with a spoon. - 12

Seasoning Tip

You may find two different seasonings at the store– lemon pepper and lemon pepper seasoning. The former is just dried lemon zest and black pepper, while the latter includes salt and other spices. I used lemon pepper seasoning in this recipe. If you use lemon pepper, you may want to add more salt.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover lemon pepper chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

close up of lemon pepper chicken in a pan. - 13

Serving Suggestions

With all that creamy sauce, I love to serve this lemon pepper chicken with pasta , Basmati rice , or mashed potatoes . For a little something healthy, I love this easy air fryer asparagus or my favorite lemon Parmesan roasted broccoli .

Ingredients1x2x3x

For the Chicken

▢ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
▢ 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning such as Lawry’s
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Lemon Sauce

▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
▢ ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
▢ ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
▢ 1 teaspoon lemon zest
▢ 1 tablespoon capers drained
▢ 1 teaspoon honey
▢ ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
▢ Chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Video

Instructions

Pat dry the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown. 1 tablespoon olive oil
Reduce heat to medium, flip the chicken breasts, and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic
Add chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, and honey. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly. ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon capers, 1 teaspoon honey
In a small cup combine the flour with 2 tablespoons of the lemon sauce and stir until smooth. ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
Pour the flour mixture into the skillet and stir until smooth and combined.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm. Chopped fresh parsley

Becky’s Tips

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Step by Step

Season the Chicken: Pat dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.

seasoned raw chicken breasts on a sheet pan. - 14

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium, flip the chicken breasts, and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.

Make the Sauce: Add ½ cup of chicken broth, ¼ cup of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of capers, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly.

Make a Roux: In a small cup combine ½ tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of the lemon sauce and stir until smooth.

lemon pepper sauce roux in a white bowl. - 18

Thicken the Sauce: Pour the flour mixture into the skillet and stir until smooth and combined.

thickened lemon pepper sauce with capers in a pan. - 19

Simmer and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm.

close up of lemon pepper chicken in a pan. - 20

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