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This Lemon Pepper Chicken is an easy dinner I turn to all the time. It is fresh, flavorful, and takes just a few simple ingredients. I love serving it with rice, pasta, potatoes, or vegetables, and the leftovers are perfect for salads or sandwiches the next day.
Why I Love This Chicken
I love this recipe because it has been in regular rotation in my family for years. Growing up, my mom would make a big batch because the ingredients were simple pantry staples we almost always had on hand. It was one of those easy dinners we could count on during a busy week, and I still make it now for the same reason. The chicken comes out tender, tangy, and full of flavor, and I love that it feels light while still being satisfying.
Serve this chicken with our delicious Oven Roasted Green Beans our Super Easy Yellow Rice or a simple Baked Potato. Turn our Nuts About Berries Salad into a hearty lunch by slicing leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken on top or add it to our One Pot Creamy Garlic Noodles! You will love how versatile this chicken is!
🩷 Emily
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook evenly and slice beautifully for meals all week.
- Olive oil: This helps create a simple marinade that keeps the chicken moist and adds richness without overpowering the lemon.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives this chicken its bright, tangy flavor and keeps everything tasting fresh.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: This is the main flavor booster and gives the chicken that bold citrusy pepper bite the recipe is known for.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a savory finish and helps create a lightly golden crust when grilled or baked.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Chicken options: You can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even wings if that is what you have on hand.
- Homemade lemon pepper seasoning: If you do not have store-bought seasoning, you can make a simple version with dried lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and a little garlic powder or onion powder.
- Parmesan cheese: I love the extra crust it gives the chicken, but you can leave it off and the recipe still turns out delicious.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley is a great finishing touch if you want a little extra color and freshness.
- Extra flavor: Lemon slices or sliced onions can be added before serving if you want to dress it up a little.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Prep the chicken
Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay tender.
- Marinate the chicken
In a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. Add the chicken and coat well, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using, then grill for 7 to 8 minutes per side or bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes, until cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy
Serve the chicken warm with rice, pasta, potatoes, or vegetables, or slice it up for salads and sandwiches.
Recipe Tips
- Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate and does not dry out.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer gives the chicken even more flavor.
- Do not skip resting time after cooking if you want juicy chicken that slices cleanly.
- Use Parmesan for extra texture if you want a lightly crisp, golden finish.
- Make extra on purpose because this chicken is just as good the next day in lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. I make it both ways. If you want to bake it, cook it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
At minimum, let it marinate for 30 minutes. If you have more time, a few hours works great for even more flavor. Reader discussion on the original post also mentions a longer marinating time works well.
Yes. If you do not have lemon pepper seasoning, you can use lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper, or make your own quick blend with dried lemon zest, pepper, and salt.
Yes. Chicken thighs, drumsticks, and even wings can all work well in this recipe.
No. I like the extra savory finish it adds, but the chicken still tastes great without it.
Make Ahead and Storage
This is a great make-ahead chicken recipe. I often marinate it earlier in the day so all I have to do at dinnertime is grill or bake it. Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Chicken is probably the easiest meat to cook with and the possibilities are endless! Try a few of our favorite chicken recipes and you’ll never have to worry about what’s for dinner!
- Best Chicken Breast Recipes Any Night of the Week
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
- Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
- Our Best Grilling Recipes
This Lemon Pepper Chicken is one of my favorite easy dinners because it is simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. With just a handful of ingredients, you get juicy chicken that works for dinner tonight and leftovers tomorrow. Whether you grill it or bake it, serve it with rice, pasta, potatoes, or salad, this is one of those reliable chicken recipes you will want to keep on repeat.
If you make this recipe, I would love to hear how you served it. Leave a comment and a star rating below and let me know if you grilled it, baked it, or turned the leftovers into something delicious the next day. 💛🍋
Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese, (powder kind)
Instructions
- Place chicken breast between plastic wrap then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten to about ½ inch thickness.
- In a gallon size ziplock bag, combine oil, lemon juice and pepper. Place chicken breasts into bag and seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken and discard marinade. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and grill for approximately 7-8 minutes on each side.
- Serve over rice or slice and serve over a salad.
Equipment
- Outdoor Barbecue Grill
Notes
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes for good flavor, but longer is even better.
- Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Parmesan adds a savory golden crust, but the recipe is still delicious without it.
- You can grill or bake this recipe depending on what works best for you.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- This chicken is great served with rice, potatoes, pasta, vegetables, salads, and sandwiches.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This is very good. I appreciate the ease of such a great recipe.
How long do you cook the chicken & is it for the oven?
Very flavorful and easy to make. 5 stars!
So easy to make and tasty. It’s crazy how so few ingredients can make something so delicious. Thank you!
Simple and delicious chicken recipe! A family fave!
I know what I will be having for dinner tonight! A restaurant worthy recipe, indeed! Yum!
How long should I leave the chicken in the marinade?
At least 2-3 hours.. overnight is great 🙂 Hope this helps!
Super easy and way more delicious than the picture makes it look.
What happens if you forget to discard the marinade and cook the chicken in it? Will it make us sick?
As long as the internal temperature of the chicken and the marinade reaches 165 degrees, it should be fine. Thank you for asking!
This is a good alternative for a boring chicken recipes I've known, thanks for sharing I would definitely try it for my family.delonghi toaster oven is a recommended one for me.
Just discovered your blog. Thanks for the follow on Twitter. That recipe sounds yummy!
I just found your blog and wish it had been on Valentine's Day, because, seriously, you are my recipe soulmate! Where have you been all my life?
Love, love, love the recipes!
Oooh – I love this simple recipe! Always on the lookout for flavorful and easy ways to prepare chicken breasts:-)