Description
A quick and flavorful lemon pepper chicken recipe featuring juicy seared chicken breasts coated with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning and served with a tangy garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or flour of choice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Cut the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets for quicker and even cooking.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, combine arrowroot powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt thoroughly.
- Season the chicken: Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken pieces, pressing it in gently with your hands to adhere.
- Cook the chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the sauce: Add unsalted butter to the pan and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer and reduce slightly for one to two minutes.
- Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Sprinkle lemon zest on top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This dish is ideal for busy weeknights because it cooks quickly and delivers bright, tangy flavors.
- Arrowroot powder can be substituted with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- The lemon garlic butter sauce can be adjusted by adding more lemon juice or broth depending on taste preferences.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for added color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 259 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 428 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
