Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon Pepper Chicken is deliciously crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You’d never guess you can make this impressive 5-ingredient Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe in just 30 minutes. 

Post includes Weight Watchers points.

Chicken is the go-to protein in my kitchen. It’s versatile, affordable, and cooks quickly, which is why I love coming up with new and different chicken recipes. This Lemon Pepper Chicken dish is a classic flavor combination, and for good reason.

Like my Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, and golden Ranch Baked Chicken, this back-to-basics baked lemon pepper chicken recipe is a true family favorite. With just 5 basic ingredients you can make delicious breaded chicken that is expertly seasoned, and ready to serve in under 30 minutes. #dinnerisserved

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is easy enough to whip up on busy weeknight dinners, but it’s also flavorful and elegant so you can serve when entertaining.

It’s also a great meal prep solution as you can double this recipe and use it for meals throughout the week.

Why Make This Recipe

• Simple – This recipe has only 5 ingredients. 
• Affordable – Chicken is one of the most affordable sources of protein on the market. 
• Fast – Get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. 
• Flavorful – Lemon pepper is a classic and comforting spice blend. 

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – We’re using chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken tenders or chicken cutlets. 
• Lemon Pepper – This popular seasoning blend is readily available in the supermarket spice aisle, and it’s great for keeping in your pantry. 
• Garlic Salt – Garlic salt adds great flavor. Just make sure that your lemon pepper blend doesn’t also contain salt. If it does, use garlic powder (granulated garlic) instead. 
• Olive Oil – Or any light, neutral flavor oil. 
• Breadcrumbs – This chicken is lightly breaded, so only a small amount is needed. Regular, panko, or gluten free breadcrumbs all work.

How To Make Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Slice each chicken breast in half (or use 4 cutlets) and pound to an even thickness with a meat mallet. 
2. Add lemon pepper, garlic salt, olive oil and bread crumbs to a zip-top bag or bowl. 
3. Place the chicken pieces in the bag, seal and then shake well to coat the chicken completely. 
4. Add the chicken pieces to a baking dish. Sprinkle with additional lemon pepper. 
5. Cook at 375F / 190C for 25 minutes (or until fully cooked). 

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F / 75C when inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts.

Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts

• Prepare the chicken as directed, then add the chicken pieces to the air fryer basket being careful not to overlap.
• Sprinkle with additional lemon pepper.
• Cook at 350F / 180C for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Flip halfway through cooking. 

Tips For Success

• Remove any excess fat from the chicken pieces. 
• Slice large chicken breasts in half and pound chicken to an even thickness for even cooking. 
• Don’t have a meat mallet? Wrap a can in plastic wrap and use to pound out the chicken instead.
• If your lemon pepper seasoning contains salt, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to avoid over-salting your chicken. 
• Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165F / 75C when inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest coating. 

Variations

• Add Cheese – Add a little parmesan cheese along with the breadcrumbs to bump up the flavor and crunch of the lemon pepper chicken breast coating. 
• Make It Gluten Free – Use gluten free bread crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those who need to avoid gluten. 

Budget-Friendly Tips 

• Buy Chicken In Bulk – Purchase chicken in bulk or on sale when it is less expensive and freeze it for later. 
• Cook Extra – Make a double batch so you can enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
• Make Breadcrumbs – Save leftover bread or gluten free bread. Toast it and crumble into bread crumbs rather than purchasing bread crumbs. Store in a zip-top bag in the freezer for the longest shelf life.
• Serve For Lunch – This chicken is tasty served over a salad for an easy lunch option.

Prep Ahead And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Trim, slice and pound your chicken breasts before freezing for easy prep later on. 
• Store – Keep leftovers in the fridge covered with foil rather than storing them in an air-tight container to avoid a soggy crust. Use within 4 days.
• Freeze – Follow these instructions to freeze this recipe:
  • Prepare the recipe as directed and allow it to cool completely. 
  • Place cooled chicken in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container.
  • Freeze for up to three months. 
  • Defrost overnight in the fridge. 
  • Reheat the chicken in a 400F / 200C oven until crispy and warm. 

Meal Prep

• Make this recipe for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for 4 more days.
• Slice the chicken and serve it over a salad for an easy lunch. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.
• Lemon Pepper Wings.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs.
• Crispy Golden Oven Baked Chicken Tenders.
• Ranch Baked Chicken.
• Easy Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
• Garlic Parmesan Fries.
• Smothered Green Beans.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 3 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Get The Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe: