Description
Zesty lemon pepper chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table, blending tangy citrus with bold pepper notes. Crispy, juicy chicken promises a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
Citrus and Seasoning:
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Aromatic and Fat:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together tangy lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
- Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each surface is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for minimum 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for intensified flavor profile.
- For oven method, heat the oven to 400F (200C) with rack positioned in center position.
- Transfer marinated chicken into a ceramic or glass baking dish, arranging pieces without overcrowding to promote even cooking.
- Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C) using a digital meat thermometer.
- Alternatively, for stovetop preparation, heat a cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil.
- Carefully place marinated chicken into hot skillet, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until exterior develops a golden-brown crust and interior reaches safe temperature.
- Remove chicken from heat source and allow to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
- Optionally garnish with additional lemon zest, chopped parsley, or fresh thyme before serving for an extra burst of aromatic flavor.
Notes
- Enhance the zesty flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for extra depth.
- Tenderize chicken by piercing it with a fork before marinating, allowing more flavor absorption and quicker seasoning.
- Prevent dry chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness without overcooking.
- Adapt for gluten-free diets by confirming all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if using pre-mixed seasonings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes to 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg