Zesty Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken

Unlock the secret to incredibly flavorful and effortlessly juicy chicken with our Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe! This culinary delight is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a hero for your health, being naturally low-carb and gluten-free. Forget complicated preparations; this dish demands mere minutes of your active time, leaving the oven to do all the hard work while you relax. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss.

Lemon enthusiasts, prepare to rejoice! This easy, wholesome, and delightfully zesty chicken recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Its simplicity and incredible flavor profile draw inspiration from our wildly popular Lemony Baked Basa and Lemon Pepper Tilapia recipes, but with the familiar comfort of tender chicken. The undeniable appeal of this dish lies in its lightning-fast preparation—we’re talking as little as five minutes of hands-on time—and the vibrant, tangy lemon-infused taste that permeates every succulent bite.

This isn’t just a meal; it’s a strategic culinary move. We adore the “bake once, eat twice (or more!)” philosophy, and this versatile recipe embodies it perfectly. Life gets busy, and having delicious, pre-prepared ingredients on hand is a game-changer. Imagine coming home after a long day with no dinner plan in sight. Instead of scrambling, you simply pull out your baked lemon pepper chicken, ready to be transformed into a fresh new meal or enjoyed as is.

Why Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken is Your New Weeknight Hero

In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that are both healthy and convenient is like striking gold. This baked lemon pepper chicken ticks all the boxes, offering a solution to common dinner dilemmas. Here’s why it’s about to become your go-to:

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. A quick seasoning, a splash of lemon, a pat of butter, and into the oven it goes. The result is a chicken breast that’s bursting with bright, zesty, and savory notes, all achieved with minimal fuss.
• Hands-Off Cooking Time: While it might not be a “30-minute meal” in the traditional sense, the active preparation time is incredibly short. Once the chicken is in the oven, you’re free to tackle other tasks, prepare simple sides, or simply unwind. In about 30-35 minutes, a complete, delicious meal awaits.
• Ultimate Versatility & Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream. Make an extra batch (or two!) and enjoy stress-free meals throughout the week. Leftover lemon pepper chicken can be diced for salads, shredded for tacos, or cubed for hearty casseroles, offering endless possibilities for delicious follow-up meals. Say goodbye to dinner fatigue and hello to exciting culinary creativity!
• Healthy and Dietary Compliant: Catering to various dietary needs, this chicken is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. It’s a fantastic source of lean protein, making it ideal for those following South Beach Phase I, keto-friendly diets, or simply anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome protein into their meals.

I am a firm believer in the power of a good dinner plan, yet the “what’s for dinner?” scramble happens more often than I care to admit. That’s why I’ve made it a habit to always have the ingredients for this recipe, along with other easy preparations like baked chili lime chicken and baked blackened chicken, readily available. It’s my secret weapon against culinary indecision.

Mastering the Art of Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken

Creating this wonderfully tender and juicy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken is surprisingly straightforward, relying on a few key ingredients that deliver a big impact. The magic happens with just a few simple steps:

Begin by generously splashing fresh lemon juice over your chicken breasts. This infuses the chicken with a bright, tangy essence from the start. Next, evenly sprinkle a harmonious blend of lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika over each piece. This trio of spices creates a flavorful crust that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. For that irresistible juiciness, a small sliver of butter placed on top of each chicken breast works wonders, melting down to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Finally, bake it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until cooked through.

While we provide precise measurements in the recipe card below for consistent results, feel free to eyeball the seasonings once you’re comfortable with the process. The beauty truly lies in its adaptable simplicity.

Of course, using freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the brightest flavor, but don’t hesitate to use a quality bottled lemon juice from your refrigerator for convenience—it works perfectly well in a pinch. The small pat of butter on top is not just for flavor; it’s instrumental in creating that appealing, golden-brown crust and ensuring the chicken remains incredibly moist and delicious. We recommend about a scant teaspoon per serving, and trust us, it’s a small addition that makes a huge difference.

And those charming little green flecks you might notice in the photos? That’s dried parsley, an entirely optional addition. Similarly, the fresh lemon slices are mainly for presentation. Both ingredients can elevate the visual appeal of your dish, making it even more inviting, but they aren’t essential for the delicious flavor.

Crafting Your Own Lemon Pepper Seasoning (or Buying Smart)

While store-bought lemon pepper seasoning offers unparalleled convenience, the adventurous home cook might consider making their own. Crafting homemade lemon pepper seasoning allows you to customize the flavor profile to your exact preferences, ensuring freshness and control over ingredients like salt content. To create your own, you’ll need to zest several lemons, dry the zest thoroughly, and then combine it with freshly mashed black peppercorns, a touch of salt, and other complementary spices such as dried thyme or finely minced onion powder.

For those eager to embark on this DIY journey, there are fantastic resources available, such as this recipe for Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning. It’s a rewarding project for anyone who enjoys making their own spice blends from scratch.

However, for most of us, keeping a trusty jar of quality lemon pepper seasoning on the spice rack is the way to go—and it’s precisely what I do! Beyond seasoning chicken and fish, this versatile blend can breathe new life into simple vegetables. Sprinkle it generously before or after cooking to add a burst of zesty, peppery flavor to roasted broccoli, grilled asparagus, or sautéed zucchini.

A quick note on seasoning: Be mindful of the salt content in your chosen lemon pepper blend. Many commercial seasonings already include salt, so you might not need to add any additional salt to your recipe. Always taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken

The beauty of Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken lies not only in its ease but also in its incredible versatility when it comes to serving. Its bright, clean flavors make it a fantastic companion to a wide array of side dishes, effortlessly completing any dinner spread. Here are some ideas to inspire your meal:

Simple and Delicious Sides:

• Garden Fresh Vegetables: Classic pairings like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, tender broccoli florets, or sautéed zucchini complement the chicken beautifully. Many of these vegetables can even be cooked alongside the chicken in the same baking dish for ultimate convenience.
• Hearty Starches: For a more substantial meal, consider serving your chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, wholesome new potatoes (roasted with a touch of lemon and herbs), or sweet, caramelized carrots.
• Light & Refreshing Options: For a lighter meal, serve slices of the chicken over a bed of fresh salad greens with a light vinaigrette. It’s also excellent with fluffy couscous or a nutrient-dense roasted cauliflower rice, especially for those looking to keep things low-carb.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Leftovers:

This “bake once, eat twice” champion truly shines in its ability to transform into entirely new meals. Slice or dice your leftover lemon pepper chicken to use in:

• Hearty Casseroles: Elevate dishes like a Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole Pie with pre-cooked, flavorful chicken.
• Comforting Soups: Add diced chicken to your favorite recipes, such as Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili, for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
• Vibrant Salads: Create dynamic salads like a crisp Napa Cabbage Salad or a refreshing Chicken Strawberry Walnut Salad, where the lemon pepper chicken adds a zesty kick.
• Effortless Meal Prep Lunches: Prepare make-ahead lunches such as Taco Salads in Mason Jars, ensuring delicious and healthy meals are always at your fingertips.

The Health Powerhouse: Is Lemon Pepper Chicken Healthy?

Absolutely! This lemon pepper chicken recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate healthy, lean protein into your diet without compromising on flavor or ease. It’s a truly versatile dish that supports various health-conscious lifestyles:

• Excellent Source of Lean Protein: Chicken breast is renowned for being a lean protein source, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall satiety. Including this chicken in your meals helps keep you full and energized throughout the day.
• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With minimal carbohydrates, this recipe is perfectly suited for those following low-carb and ketogenic diets. It allows you to enjoy a satisfying meal without worrying about spiking blood sugar levels.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally free from gluten, this dish is a safe and delicious option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Weight Management Support: High-protein, low-carb meals like this can aid in weight management by promoting fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.
• Nutrient-Rich: Beyond protein, chicken provides essential vitamins and minerals, while lemon adds a dose of Vitamin C.

For even more convenience and to ensure you always have healthy protein on hand, consider dicing cooked chicken and freezing it. This makes it incredibly easy to increase the protein content of various meals, from stir-fries to pasta dishes, anytime you need it.

📋 Recipe: Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

This incredibly flavorful and juicy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken is low-carb, gluten-free, and takes just minutes to prepare. A perfect main dish for any day of the week!

Rating: 4.86 from 28 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Equipment

• DOT® Simple Alarm Thermometer

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning (find it here)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 4 teaspoons butter
• Parsley garnish (optional)
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place chicken in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Gently spoon lemon juice over each piece of chicken.
4. Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the chicken.
5. Place a slice of butter on top of each chicken breast.
6. Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken temperature registers 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer and juices run clear. If desired, spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness, if using.

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Notes

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but not overdone. This is my number one tip for perfectly cooked meat every time!

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 428mg | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 3.3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer