Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a vibrant blend of lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and cracked black pepper, then seared to golden perfection and baked to a juicy finish. Ideal for a quick, flavorful dinner, it’s garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Season the chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake to finish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain moisture. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows seamless transition from stovetop searing to oven baking.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
