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Grey plates with lemon pepper chicken on rice. Squeezed lemon on the side.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken

Citrusy, fresh Lemon Pepper Chicken is an easy healthy meal to enjoy. Made with fresh lemon and ready in 30 minutes. 
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time17 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4
Author: Bailey

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • lemon zester or microplane

Ingredients

  • 2 lb chicken breasts, halved boneless/skinless
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3-4 Tbsp lemon zest more as needed.
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed more as needed. About 3 lemons
  • 2 Tbsp fresh cracked black pepper more as needed.
  • ½ tsp salt more as needed.
  • ½ white onion, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Optional Sides

  • grilled asparagus
  • long grain white rice

Instructions

  • Slice the chicken breasts in half for a quicker cook. Add them to a large bowl, add the onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt and cracked black pepper, massage and mix well into the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours max. 
  • Once the lemon pepper chicken has had a bit to marinate, start the rice or any veggie sides you are serving. 
  • Cook the chicken. For the grill; add it to a preheated grill (400º) on medium heat. cook for about 15-18 minutes flipping halfway through at least once. Be sure to cook until internal temp reaches 165ºF. I find flip the breasts a few times makes an even cook on the grill.
    For The Oven; Preheat to 375ºF add the chicken to a sheet pan, add the onions and garlic if desired. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or internal temp reaches 165ºF. 
  • Let the chicken rest for a bit. Add any additional zest, lemon juice or cracked pepper if desired. (see notes for a little extra tip on flavor) Serve and enjoy!  

Notes

  • Don't overcook the chicken! Always use a digital thermometer for the best cooked chicken.
  • Taste as you go. You may want extra lemon zest and pepper. 
  • Add your favorite seasonings to the chicken. Lemon pepper is versatile. Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, even dried basil would be great. 
  • If you want an extra "oomph" of flavor, brush a little soy sauce on the finished chicken before serving. YUM. 
          Nutritional facts do not include sides 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 chicken breast | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 555mg | Potassium: 897mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg