Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken Recipe: Zesty Dinner Joy!

My weeknight culinary adventures recently discovered this mouthwatering lemon pepper skillet chicken that promises incredible flavor in minutes.

Every busy home cook deserves a quick protein solution that looks impressive.

Zesty spices dance across tender chicken pieces, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Mediterranean-inspired seasoning transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Fresh cracked pepper and bright citrus notes make this dish pop with excitement.

Friends always request seconds when I serve this simple yet elegant meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can craft restaurant-quality dinner magic.

What Makes Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken So Special

• Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills required, making this recipe perfect for home cooks seeking impressive results without complex techniques.
• Prepare a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy families needing fast and flavorful meals that don't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• The creamy lemon pepper sauce pairs wonderfully with various sides like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this adaptable and zesty chicken dish.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken and creating the luxurious sauce, saving time and reducing dishwashing efforts for a stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredients Checklist for Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, best when boneless and skinless.

• Lemon Pepper, Garlic Powder, Salt: Classic flavor enhancers that create a zesty and aromatic coating for the chicken, choose fresh and high-quality spices for maximum taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a mix of dried herbs that complement the chicken's flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken with a rich, smooth texture.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce, adds depth and creaminess.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce, fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy elements that add freshness and tanginess to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, choose freshly grated for best results.

Cooking Instructions for Lemon Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken into the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the inside reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Lemon Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Cracked black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 minutes. Slowly pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Whisk enthusiastically until the sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious liquid.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes. Plate immediately and garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon zest if desired.

Tips to Elevate Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Perfectly Dry Chicken: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning to ensure maximum browning and crispy exterior.
• Strategic Seasoning Technique: Sprinkle seasonings evenly on both sides of chicken, gently pressing to help spices adhere and create a flavorful crust.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use medium-high heat for initial searing to lock in juices, then reduce heat for sauce to prevent burning and achieve smooth consistency.
• Cream Sauce Rescue: If sauce looks too thick, gradually whisk in extra chicken broth or cream to reach desired consistency without compromising flavor.
• Quick Zest Trick: Microplane or fine grater works best for extracting maximum lemon zest without bitter white pith, enhancing sauce's bright citrus notes.

Storage Tips for Lemon Pepper Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Consume reheated chicken within 1-2 days for best taste and texture. Discard if sauce separates or chicken smells unusual.

Best Side Pairings for Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Complement the bright lemon flavors with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the creamy sauce and enhancing the chicken's delicate spices.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans tossed with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, adding earthy notes that balance the dish's tangy richness.
• Create a creamy risotto with Parmesan and garlic to mirror the skillet chicken's flavor profile, soaking up the luxurious lemon pepper sauce while providing a comforting texture contrast.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, offering a peppery and bright counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken dish.

Fun Variations for Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Lean Option: Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more moisture and use cauliflower puree instead of cream to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the sauce creamy.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add chopped fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the sauce, and substitute chicken broth with white wine for a more complex Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Zesty Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix, and add a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for those who enjoy a spicier chicken dish.

FAQ Guide for Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, and will cook similarly to chicken breasts. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative. Each will slightly change the sauce’s thickness and richness, but will still create a delicious creamy texture.

• How do I prevent my chicken from becoming tough?

Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning, which helps create a better sear. Cook on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, removing the chicken at exactly 165°F to keep it tender and juicy.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free. The recipe naturally doesn’t require flour, making it easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets. Use gluten-free certified ingredients if needed.

Creamy Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Lemon Pepper Skillet Chicken promises a Mediterranean-inspired journey of flavor and comfort. Zesty seasonings and rich cream sauce combine for a quick, elegant dinner that satisfies both kitchen novices and seasoned cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them completely dry with paper towels, then generously coat both sides with a blend of lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat distribution.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm while preparing the sauce.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and gently melt butter, creating a smooth cooking base.
6. Add minced garlic to the butter, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning, approximately 30 seconds.
7. Pour in chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning, creating a fragrant liquid foundation.
8. Allow the mixture to simmer and slightly reduce for 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
9. Whisk in heavy cream and finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
10. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious lemon pepper cream sauce before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by using a hot, dry skillet and avoiding overcrowding to achieve a golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening the sauce instead of traditional flour-based methods.
• Enhance the dish’s protein content by using Greek yogurt or cream cheese as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for a healthier twist.
• Maximize flavor development by letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a more tender, succulent result.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg