There’s something about that bright, zesty punch of lemon combined with a peppery kick that makes this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe a true weeknight hero. The golden crust and luscious garlic lemon butter sauce come together so easily, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

Four golden brown cooked chicken pieces with a slightly charred texture sit in a white pot filled with light brown sauce. Each piece is topped with small bits of garlic and black pepper, and thin slices of lemon rest both inside the pot and on top of the chicken. The chicken pieces are arranged closely together, surrounded by the sauce that has a shiny, slightly thick look. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, with a small bowl of crushed pepper and a plate of lemon slices nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe so many times because it delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me — it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but actually comes together in under 20 minutes.

Super quick to make: From prepping to plate in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Bold, bright flavors: The lemon zest and lemon juice add freshness that instantly lifts the dish.
Golden, crispy crust: Coating the chicken in lemon pepper seasoning with a little arrowroot really seals in juiciness.
Versatile and easy: Customize the sauce or swap out sides — I’ll share ideas to make it yours.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe lies in the balance between simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from creating a crisp crust to a silky sauce bursting with citrusy goodness.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with a sprinkling of coarse lemon pepper seasoning and kosher salt on top, a small white ceramic bowl with fine arrowroot powder, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil glistening under natural light, a small white bowl containing a few peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl holding bright yellow lemon juice beside fresh lemon halves and thin lemon slices, a small white bowl of golden unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl with clear low-sodium chicken broth, a few fresh sprigs of vibrant green parsley, and a small pile of finely grated lemon zest placed on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Using large, thick chicken breasts ensures juicy, tender meat after cooking; slicing them horizontally helps them cook evenly.
Arrowroot powder (or flour): Just enough to help the lemon pepper seasoning stick and form a perfect golden crust.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The star blend of citrus and peppery spice that gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances the flavors without overpowering.
Extra virgin olive oil: For a nice sear on the chicken’s surface while adding subtle richness.
Unsalted butter: Brings depth and luxuriousness to the sauce, preventing it from tasting greasy.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds an irresistible aroma and sharpness that complements the lemon.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for maximum zing and brightness in the sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory base and helps reduce the sauce to just the right consistency.
Lemon zest: A final flourish that intensifies lemon flavor without extra liquid.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and subtle herbaceous contrast.
Lemon slices (optional): Makes for a pretty garnish and extra lemon flavor at the table.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore this recipe as is, I’ve experimented with tweaks that make it even more enjoyable or fit different tastes. Don’t hesitate to adjust based on your preferences—you’ll find some great ideas below.

Variation: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon pepper seasoning gives the dish a delightful little heat kick I’m obsessed with on chillier evenings.
Gluten-free: Using arrowroot powder is my favorite gluten-free option to keep the crisp crust intact without any grainy texture.
Herb additions: I sometimes sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary during the last couple minutes for an earthy layer of flavor.
Lemon alternatives: When lemons are out of season, a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with a tiny bit of lemon zest works surprisingly well.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three main layers: on the left, a soft, white mashed potato layer with a slightly fluffy texture; next to it, a golden-brown grilled chicken piece with a glossy sauce, speckled with black pepper and small herbs, topped with two thin yellow lemon slices; on the right, bright green steamed asparagus spears arranged in a neat bunch. The plate is on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting on the bottom left edge, a white bowl filled with thin lemon slices in the top left, a pan with chicken and lemon slices in the top right corner, and small bowls containing ground black pepper and lemon zest at the bottom, scattered with a few pepper grains and zest bits. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slice and Season the Chicken

I like to start by cutting the chicken breasts in half horizontally—this makes the pieces thinner and easier to cook quickly without drying them out. Then, stirring together the arrowroot powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt in a small bowl gets everything ready for the perfect crust. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly on both sides of the chicken, and press it in firmly with your hands so it sticks well.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to a Golden Crisp

Heat your pan over medium-high heat and pour in the extra virgin olive oil—trust me, a hot pan is key here. Once shimmering, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden crust before flipping it over for another 3 to 4 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temp; aim for 160 to 165°F. Then remove the chicken to a plate—it’ll keep warm while we finish the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the butter to the same pan (don’t clean it out—that browned bits are pure flavor!). Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let the sauce reduce gently for a minute or two to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of that silky sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with lemon zest for a zippy finish. If you want to, throw on some chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon slices for a bright, fresh look.

Top Tip

Having made this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe on repeat, I’ve learned the small details that make a big difference. Follow these tips to nail it every time and avoid the most common pitfalls.

Hot Pan, No Crowding: Sear the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t big enough—crowding steams it instead of crisping it.
Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, drying the chicken breasts with paper towels helps the coating stick better and promotes even browning.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same brightness or freshness that really wakes up the sauce.
Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the internal temp—overcooked chicken dries out fast. Remove from heat right around 165°F and let rest if needed.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley—it adds a lovely herbal brightness and pretty green contrast. Lemon slices aren’t just for looks; squeezing a little extra lemon over the top just before eating amps the tang even more. I always grab a handful of them when I’m plating.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often keep it simple with buttery mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad to soak up all that lemony sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work beautifully for some fresh crunch, or even a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette balances the dish nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous studded with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. Arranging lemon slices in a pretty circular pattern around the chicken always impresses guests, plus adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary feels extra elegant without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they tend to keep well for about 3 days. The sauce sometimes thickens as it chills—just give it a gentle stir and reheat slowly to bring back that lovely silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing works okay if you’re careful. I prefer to freeze the chicken and sauce separately to preserve texture, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. This helps keep the chicken moist and the sauce fresh tasting.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to loosen the sauce and heat the chicken slowly over medium-low heat. This prevents the meat from becoming rubbery and keeps the sauce nice and pourable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well. They’re juicier but take a minute or two longer to cook through, so adjust your cooking time accordingly and check for an internal temp of 165°F.

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

The key is to slice the breasts thinly so they cook quickly and to not overcook them. Using a meat thermometer helps a lot. Also, letting the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking keeps the juices locked in.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can season and slice the chicken ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cooking and making the sauce fresh gives the best flavor and texture, but leftovers store well as described.

What can I serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe for a low-carb meal?

Try serving with roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower rice. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the bright lemon flavors without adding carbs.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something comforting yet fresh and flavorful. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent much longer in the kitchen than you actually did. I’m excited for you to try it yourself—once you do, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!