Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken with Dreamy Creamy Sauce Recipe

My culinary adventure with lemon pepper chicken began during a spontaneous kitchen experiment last summer.

Fresh herbs from my windowsill garden inspired this vibrant dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each tender bite of succulent protein.

Zesty citrus notes intertwine with delicate black pepper undertones, creating a sophisticated yet approachable meal.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly to produce maximum flavor impact.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like gourmet experiences with this straightforward recipe.

Savor every moment as you craft this delightful dish that promises to become a new favorite.

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce Details

• This lemon pepper chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile dish allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like adding fresh herbs, switching proteins, or pairing with different side dishes to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Bright, zesty lemon pepper seasoning combined with creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that appeals to both adults and kids, making it an instant family favorite for any dining occasion.
• Using just a few pantry staples, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, proving that simple cooking techniques can produce impressive, restaurant-quality results right at home.

Ingredients Required for Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that's the star of the dish, best when fresh and evenly cut for consistent cooking.

• Salt, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Powder: Flavor boosters that create a zesty and aromatic coating for the chicken, adding depth and brightness to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that combine to create a rich, smooth sauce with a subtle tangy and savory profile. Parmesan adds a nutty complexity to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that provides a fresh garnish and subtle herbal note to complete the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Lemon Pepper Chicken Dish

Step 1: Slice and Flatten Chicken

Carefully cut chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, even pieces. If the breasts are particularly thick, gently pound them using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure uniform thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and become wonderfully tender.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Garlic powder

Ensure each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place seasoned chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The chicken should have a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Step 5: Create Creamy Lemon Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic

Stir ingredients together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the pan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy lemon sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Pro Tips for Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Sauce

• Slice Smartly: Cut chicken breasts horizontally to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Season Generously: Coat chicken completely with salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder for maximum flavor absorption.
• Control Thickness: Pound chicken to uniform thickness to guarantee consistent cooking throughout the meat.
• Monitor Moisture: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
• Rest and Relax: Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, creating a more tender and flavorful dish.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Store leftover lemon pepper chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Drizzle a little extra sauce to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out.
• Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture. Stop heating once the internal temperature reaches 165°F to avoid tough, rubbery texture.
• Enjoy reheated chicken with fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice to revive its bright flavors and keep the meat tasting fresh and zesty.

What Complements Lemon Pepper Chicken on a Plate

• Smooth white wine with subtle oak notes cuts through the chicken's richness, balancing the bright lemon pepper flavors and enhancing the creamy sauce's texture.
• Garlic-roasted asparagus or herb-infused Brussels sprouts add earthy depth and nutritional balance, creating a colorful plate that matches the chicken's vibrant seasonings.
• Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest provides a protein-packed base that absorbs the creamy sauce while adding nutritional complexity to the meal.
• Refreshing blend of sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of mint delivers a zesty non-alcoholic option that echoes the chicken's citrusy profile and cleanses the palate between bites.

Ways to Change Up Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace lemon pepper seasoning with mixed dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an earthy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour when thickening the sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and skip flour completely, creating a keto-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream, adding nutritional yeast for extra depth and creaminess.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe Questions Answered

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. They’ll work great and add more flavor, but adjust cooking time since they might take slightly longer to cook through.

• What if I don't have fresh lemons for the sauce?

No problem! You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% lemon juice for the best flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but double-check your specific seasonings and cream to confirm. Use cornstarch instead of flour if you need a thickener.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or include a dash of cayenne pepper when you season the chicken for extra heat.

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken With Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper chicken dances with creamy elegance, bringing Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts drizzled in tangy sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts to create even, thin cutlets, ensuring uniform cooking and optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Generously coat each chicken piece with a harmonious blend of salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder, massaging the spices into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to become thoroughly hot before adding a thin layer of cooking oil.
4. Gently place seasoned chicken cutlets into the skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
5. Flip the chicken and continue cooking the opposite side, reducing heat if needed to prevent burning while maintaining a crisp exterior.
6. Remove perfectly cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate, keeping warm and preserving the precious cooking juices.
7. In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, whisking continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
8. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop rich, complex flavors while scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the pan.
9. Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the creamy lemon pepper sauce to ensure complete flavor integration.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving immediately.

Notes

• Thin chicken ensures even cooking and prevents dry, tough meat.
• Use a meat mallet or bottom of a heavy skillet to uniformly flatten chicken breasts for consistent texture.
• Opt for fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper for more vibrant, intense flavor compared to pre-mixed seasoning blends.
• Low-sodium diets can replace salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth without increasing sodium content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 150mg