Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet easy to prepare? Look no further than this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe! The perfect balance of zesty lemon and aromatic black pepper creates a delightful taste that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon (juice and zest)
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 2 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken breast) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 2g
This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
4. Pour the lemon pepper mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
5. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
10. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can substitute with thighs or even fish. For a vegetarian option, try marinating tofu or portobello mushrooms in the same lemon pepper mixture.
Serving and Pairings
Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider serving with a side of roasted potatoes or a citrus quinoa salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not marinating the chicken long enough.
- Baking at too low a temperature, leading to dry chicken.
- Overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough.
- Using too much salt in the marinade.
- Skipping the resting time after baking.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for optimal flavor.
- Adjust pepper levels to suit your taste.
- Try adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Consider using lemon zest for extra zestiness.
- Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
What sides go well with Lemon Pepper Chicken?
Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs excellently with sides like roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a light salad. Consider a citrus-based dressing for the salad to complement the chicken.
Can this recipe be made on the grill?
Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken for a smoky flavor. Just ensure the grill is preheated and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness accurately.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make more servings. Just ensure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time if needed based on the thickness of the chicken.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings brightness to your table. With its zesty marinade and easy cooking process, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the vibrant taste and impress your guests with this delightful recipe!
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon pepper mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
