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Home » Easy Chicken Recipes » Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Published on September 5, 2021 by Bintu. Leave a Comment

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lemon pepper chicken breasts in an air fryer basket
lemon pepper chicken breasts on a plate garnished with lemon slices and peppercorns

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.

close up view of the finished lemon pepper chicken recipe

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.

top down view of the competed lemon pepper chicken served on a white dish

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. 
the ingredients needed for making lemon pepper chicken

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.

image collage showing the steps for making lemon pepper chicken

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. 
top down view of lemon pepper chicken inside the air fryer basket

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. 
a wooden spoon removing one piece of lemon pepper chicken from the pan

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. 
the completed lemon pepper chicken breast in a baking dish

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

Can I Make This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts Recipe Without Oil?

The oil is necessary to help the coating stick to the chicken and for the breadcrumbs to get crispy, so you may not experience the same results if you eliminate it. You can use a calorie-controlled cooking spray instead. 

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.
the finished lemon pepper chicken inside a white backing dish

Weight Watchers Points

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

Get The Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe:

close up view of the completed lemon pepper chicken recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken

A flavorful dish that's ready to serve in under 30 minutes!
Print Pin Rate Save RecipeSaved!
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Western
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 358kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy | Budget Delicious
Cost: Less than $3 per serving

Equipment

bakeware set
Bakeware
thermometer
Thermometer
Mixing Bowls
measuring cups and spoons
Cups And Spoons

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (907g) chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper to garnish

Instructions

Oven Instructions

  • Slice each chicken breast in half (or use 4 cutlets) and pound to an even thickness with a meat mallet.
  • Add lemon pepper, garlic salt, olive oil and bread crumbs to a zip-top bag or bowl.
  • Place the chicken pieces into the bag, seal and shake well to completely coat the chicken.
  • Add the chicken pieces to a baking dish. Sprinkle with additional lemon pepper.
  • Bake in a preheated 375F / 190C oven for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F / 74C.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Slice each chicken breast in half (or use 4 cutlets) and pound to an even thickness with a meat mallet.
  • Add lemon pepper, garlic salt, olive oil and bread crumbs to a zip-top bag or bowl.
  • Place the chicken pieces into the bag, seal and shake well to completely coat the chicken.
  • 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 chicken over halfway through cooking time.

Video

Notes

  • 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 that instead!
  • Check if your lemon pepper seasoning contains salt. If it does, 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 / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest coating.
  • Storage – cover leftovers in foil and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • There are 3 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 609mg | Potassium: 894mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg
« Instant Pot Chicken Curry
Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs »

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Hi am Bintu and glad to meet you. You will find delicious easy recipes on a budget. Includes easy chicken recipes, easy Instant Pot recipes, easy Air Fryer recipes with simple ingredients loved by the whole family. Let's dig deeper →

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