Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a zesty lemon and cracked black pepper blend. The chicken is first seared on the stovetop to develop a golden crust and then baked to perfection in the oven, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make main dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Mix seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and salt to create a flavorful seasoning mixture.
- Season chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast to ensure full coverage and flavor.
- Sear chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the chicken breasts well before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere better.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice can be used, although fresh is preferred for best flavor.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
- For extra zest, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a mild kick.
