Chicken lemon pepper—a tantalising combination that combines tender chicken’s juiciness with the bright zestiness of lemon and the aromatic kick of freshly ground black pepper.
This delightful flavour pairing has become a beloved classic, captivating the palates of chicken enthusiasts far and wide. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or planning a flavorful feast, chicken lemon pepper is a go-to choice that never fails to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore the mouthwatering allure of chicken lemon pepper, from its versatile culinary applications to tips on achieving the perfect balance of tang and spice. Get ready
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How to make chicken lemon pepper
Follow this step by step process to prepare your chickem lemon pepper
Ingredients
½ all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp. kosher salt
2 lemons divided
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
½ Chicken broth Swanson Chicken Broth
2 tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions for Oven
1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Whisk together flour, lemon pepper, salt, and zest of 1 lemon in a medium bowl. Toss chicken breast
2. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden on the bottom, about 5 minutes, then flip chicken breasts.
3. Add broth, butter, garlic, and lemon slices to the skillet and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Spoon sauce on top of chicken and garnish with parsley.
For stove top
here is how to prepare the lemon chicken pepper on a stove top:
1. Whisk together flour, lemon pepper, salt, and zest of 1 lemon in a medium bowl. Toss chicken breasts in the flour mixture until fully coated. Slice the remaining lemon into thin rounds.
2. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden on the bottom, about 5 minutes, then flip chicken breasts.
3. Add broth, butter, garlic, and lemon slices to skillet and cook until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced slightly, 3 minutes.
4. Spoon sauce on top of chicken and garnish with parsley
What is Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Lemon pepper seasoning is a mixture of zest and black peppercorns that are combined to make lemon seasoning powder. The citrus flavour is then enhanced by crushing and combining them. As the oils and pepper combine, distinctive lemon spices are produced.
There are various flavours that can be added to your homemade lemon pepper seasoning. Lemon and pepper are two elements that support other spices like cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano since they go so well together.
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper seasoning
Homemade lemon pepper Seasoning makes use of three main ingredients.
Lemon zest: Zest this fresh from unwaxed lemons. If you have any frozen or completely dried lemon peel, you can mince it and use it.
Black pepper: You can get pre-cracked black peppercorns, or you can do it yourself. If you prefer, you can use white or pink peppercorns.
Sea salt: If you prefer, you can use rock salt, Hawaiian red salt, or pink Himalayan salt.
How to make Lemon seasoning pepper
follow these instructions for easy preparation of the lemon seasoning pepper
1. Put the black pepper and salt in the grinder and grind until mostly smooth. Add the dried lemon zest, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix with the grinder for a few more seconds.
2. Use as desired and store the remaining in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a warm place away from moisture.
Other seasonings to use with lemon pepper
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Dried thyme
Dried dill (particularly for fish or seafood dishes)
Cilantro
Saffron
Ground chiles
What kind of chicken do I need for chicken lemon pepper
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for chicken lemon pepper. Both options work well for this dish. Chicken breasts are lean and have a mild flavour, while chicken thighs are slightly fatter and have a richer taste. It ultimately depends on your personal preference.
Do I need fresh lemon for chicken lemon pepper?
Using fresh lemon is highly recommended for chicken lemon pepper to achieve the best flavour. Fresh lemon juice provides a bright, tangy taste that complements pepper seasoning. You can also use lemon zest to enhance the lemon flavour even further.
To make chicken lemon pepper, you typically marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, black pepper, and other seasonings. The fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing and acidic element to the dish, enhancing the overall flavour profile.
However, if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute, although the flavour may not be as vibrant.
What to serve with chicken lemon pepper
Chicken lemon pepper pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few popular options:
Roasted Vegetables:
Roast a medley of vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and zucchini tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper. The roasted flavours complement the chicken well.
2. Rice or Quinoa
Serve chicken lemon pepper over cooked white or brown rice or even quinoa. The grains absorb the flavours of the chicken and provide a filling and nutritious base.
3. Salad
A light and refreshing salad can be a great accompaniment. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemony vinaigrette.
4. Steamed or Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus spears, lightly steamed or grilled, add a delicious and healthy side to the dish. Drizzle them with lemon juice and sprinkle with black pepper for extra flavour.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes flavoured with garlic make for a comforting and indulgent side dish that complements the chicken lemon pepper.
6. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
Serve some warm garlic bread or freshly baked dinner rolls on the side for a satisfying meal. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken.
How to store Chicken Lemon Pepper
To store chicken lemon pepper, follow these guidelines:
1. Refrigeration
If you have leftover cooked chicken lemon pepper, let it cool down to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing
If you want to store chicken lemon pepper for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken lemon pepper can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing
When you’re ready to use the frozen chicken lemon pepper, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Related: How Long Is Chicken Good for in the Fridge? A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion for chicken Lemon Pepper
Chicken lemon pepper is a delectable dish that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the bold, peppery kick of black pepper. Its versatility and simplicity make it popular for home cooks and food enthusiasts. Whether you choose to grill, bake, or sauté your chicken, the result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
From its vibrant marinades to its tantalizing aroma, chicken lemon pepper offers a burst of zesty flavour that elevates any dining experience.
So, the next time you’re craving a dish that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and spicy, reach for chicken lemon pepper and embark on a culinary journey that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more.
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FAQs
Why put lemon juice on raw chicken?
The lemon juice provides flavour and acidity and helps tenderize the chicken. This works especially well for leaner cuts like chicken breast. The result is super flavorful, vibrant, juicy, and tender chicken.
What makes chicken soft and juicy?
Marinating your chicken in something overnight can help make it all juicier and tender. You can use a gluten-free, acidic marinade (like olive oil and lemon juice) or something breadier (like baking soda, egg whites, and buttermilk).
How to make chicken breasts juicy and tender?
Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture to the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook. The simplest way to do this is with a dry brine — unwrap the chicken breasts, salt them on both sides and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
How to make chicken breast taste good?
Marinade: Marinating the chicken breast in a flavorful mixture helps infuse it with taste. You can use a combination of ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, spices, garlic, soy sauce, or yoghurt to create a marinade.
Seasoning: Season the chicken breast generously with salt and pepper before cooking. To add more flavour, you can also use additional herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, or Italian seasoning.
Brining: Brining chicken breasts in a saltwater solution before cooking can help retain moisture and enhance flavour. Dissolve salt in water, submerge the chicken breasts in the brine, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Searing: Sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little oil for a flavorful crust. This caramelizes the surface and adds a delicious golden-brown colour and flavour.
Cooking methods: Consider different cooking methods to bring out the best flavours in chicken breasts. Grilling, baking, sautéing, or even pan-roasting can all yield delicious results.
