Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and finished in a creamy, flavorful lemon pepper sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- â…” cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning evenly on both sides to build the base flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. When melted, add minced garlic and stir in the all-purpose flour. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux and activate the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Then add the remaining ½ tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts and any accumulated juices back into the skillet with the sauce. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Finalize and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the lemon pepper chicken immediately, spooning the creamy sauce over the top for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For best results, cut chicken breasts evenly in half to ensure consistent cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Use fresh lemon pepper seasoning or grind fresh black pepper with lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to round out the meal.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
