Sauteed Lemon Pepper Chicken

This Sauteed Lemon Pepper Chicken is one of my go-to "save dinner" recipes because it turns simple chicken into something bright, juicy, and full of flavor!

You just sear the chicken until it's golden, then swirl together a quick pan sauce with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, and a little butter. The whole thing feels restaurant-level but is one of the simplest meals you can make.

Before You Get Started

Before you start cooking, here are a few quick tips that make this lemon pepper chicken turn out tender, flavorful, and perfectly browned every single time.

• Choose the right lemon pepper seasoning: You can make your own lemon pepper seasoning at home, but store-bought ones are also good. Just look for one with real lemon zest, black pepper, minimal preservatives, and artificial flavor enhancers. Also, always check to see if the seasoning has salt and adjust your recipe as needed.
• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled: Fresh makes a huge difference in brightness and flavor. A few slices for garnish elevate the final dish.
• Have your sides ready or nearly finished: This chicken cooks quickly, so rice, pasta, or vegetables should be prepped so everything comes together at once.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

Trust me, this will be your go-to recipe for chicken dinners! Here's how you can make it in just half an hour, including prep time:

1. Season and Coat the Chicken

Combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Toss the chicken until every piece is lightly coated.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden. Flip and cook until cooked through. Remove the chicken and tent with foil to keep warm.

3. Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add butter and garlic to the pan, cooking just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.

4. Finish With Lemon and Parsley

Turn off the heat. Add the lemon juice and parsley.

If using cream: Stir the cream and parsley into the sauce first, whisking to make it silky. Turn off the heat, then add lemon juice last so the cream doesn't curdle.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and serve warm. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Recipe Variations

Cooking is all about experimenting and trying out new things! Here are some variations you can do to make this lemon pepper chicken recipe your own:

• Make it a sheet pan meal: Instead of searing the chicken, spread it out on a sheet pan and bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. This could also be done in the air fryer. Then make the sauce in a small pan and drizzle the crispy chicken with the sauce to serve.
• Change up the sauce: An easy way to tweak this recipe is to play around with the sauce. Incorporate heavy cream into the sauce to make creamy lemon pepper chicken, or add honey to give it a sweet twist! Feel free to add some Parmesan cheese, too.
• Incorporate vegetables: Make this dish more filling and pack it with more nutrients by adding some veggies. After sauteing the chicken, saute some zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower in the same pan. Set aside and then make the sauce. Or for an easier option, simply wilt some spinach into the sauce right before serving.
• Add more flavor: For even more flavor, consider adding some sundried tomatoes, capers, artichoke hearts, olives, or roasted red peppers to the dish. Just watch the salt, to make sure it doesn't end up too salty.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Just when you thought this lemon pepper chicken recipe couldn't get any better, it still can! Follow these tips to make the best lemon pepper chicken:

• Use thinly sliced chicken breast to ensure it cooks through and evenly without drying out. You can split the thicker slices in half and pound them into an even thickness of about ¼ inch.
• Marinate the chicken: If you have time, marinate the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning before coating it to lock in more flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Create enough space between the chicken pieces to ensure even browning. For bigger servings, cook in batches or use a bigger pan.
• Make a white wine reduction sauce: Add white wine to the original pan sauce. This elevates the dish by a lot and adds a bit of luxury, making it ideal to serve for special occasions like date nights.

What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is so light and balanced, which makes it so easy to pair with all sorts of delicious sides. Here are some ideas:

• Carbs: Serve it over brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or with pasta on the side for a full, hearty meal.
• Roasted veggies: Roast some vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, broccoli, and carrots, for the perfect side dishes. You can also add sauteed snow peas or snap peas to the mix.
• Mashed potatoes: Of course, you can also pair it with creamy mashed potatoes that work so well with the citrusy flavor of the chicken,
• Grain bowls: For a refreshing side, opt for healthy salads and bowls like this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl.

Storage and Reheating

When storing leftovers, make sure to get all the remaining lemon pepper chicken sauce from the pan. Don't leave out all the goodness in there!

• To store: Put leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
• To freeze: Freeze for up to three months as long as it's in a freezer-safe container.
• To reheat: If frozen, thaw the leftovers in the fridge overnight first. You can either warm it in the microwave or reheat it on a stovetop in a skillet.