If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavor yet so easy to pull off, this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is the one to try. Each tender bite is wrapped in the sunny fragrance of lemon zest and the bold tickle of black pepper, anchored by a golden, crispy crust. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive get-together, this recipe never fails to light up the table and impress anyone who takes a forkful.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, trusty ingredients is the first step to flavor-packed success. You probably have most of them on hand already, and each one plays a special part—from the lemon’s zing to the subtle crunch of panko, there’s no filler here, just taste and texture working perfectly together.

Olive oil (3 tbsp + 3 tbsp for skillet): Acts as both a flavor-infuser and a cooking fat, giving the chicken richness and moisture.
Zest of 3 lemons: The ultimate flavor booster—zest gives pure, aromatic citrus notes that are the heart of this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe.
All purpose flour (1/2 cup): Essential for a light, crisp coating that holds everything together and gives great crunch.
Panko bread crumbs (1/4 cup): These Japanese-style bread crumbs guarantee extra crispiness and a delightful texture.
Ground black pepper (2 1/2 tsp): Provides the signature pepper kick and a depth of flavor you’ll love.
Garlic powder (2 tsp): Adds savory warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt (1 tsp): Just the right amount to enhance every single flavor without overpowering the zest and pepper.
Dried parsley (1/2 tsp): For a subtle herbal note and a fresh pop of color in your crust.
Paprika (1/4 tsp): A touch for color and a sweet smoky background.
Chicken breast cutlets (4): Quick-cooking, lean, and juicy—perfect for soaking up all that seasoning.
Lemon (1, cut into 1/4-inch slices): Sautéed right in the pan for beautiful presentation and a final hit of citrus aroma.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Olive Oil and Lemon Zest Infusion

Start things off by stirring together the olive oil and freshly grated lemon zest in a shallow bowl or dish. This vibrant, citrusy oil is what makes every bite of chicken so bright and craveable. Set it to the side and let the flavors mingle while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Mix Up the Crunchy Breading

In another dish, combine the all purpose flour, panko bread crumbs, ground black pepper, garlic powder, salt, dried parsley, and paprika. This mixture is more than just a crust—it’s the signature of this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, delivering crunch, spice, and beautiful color.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the remaining three tablespoons of olive oil. Give it a minute or two to warm up; you want a nice, shimmering oil that helps the coating sizzle and turn out perfectly golden.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken breast cutlet and dip it thoroughly in the lemony olive oil, followed by the panko-flour breading. Make sure the coating is even and gently press the breading on so it sticks. Place each breaded cutlet on a plate—this helps them dry slightly for a crispier finish.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden

Gently lay the breaded cutlets in the hot skillet, and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them. This helps develop that irresistible golden crust. Flip each piece, then cook for another 5 minutes. Add the lemon slices to the pan for the final few minutes so they caramelize and further perfume the chicken. Cook until the chicken reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) internally.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked cutlets onto a cooling rack and let them rest for just a couple of minutes. Resting keeps them juicy and allows the breading to set, giving you the dreamiest texture when you slice and serve this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or even a touch more lemon zest over the top for a dazzling presentation. The caramelized lemon slices from the pan make a gorgeous, edible decoration that guests will want to scoop up.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is wonderful alongside fluffy rice pilaf, buttered noodles, or a platter of garlicky green beans. The citrus and pepper notes complement a wide range of sides, making it super versatile for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and layering it over a vibrant salad or tucking it into crusty rolls with a dollop of aioli for an elevated lunch. For a more dramatic touch, plate with whole roasted mini potatoes and drizzle with a quick homemade lemon vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the chicken completely, then wrap each piece individually in wax paper and store in a freezer bag. They’ll keep best for about 1 month, ready for a quick meal whenever you crave that zesty crunch.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken in a 350 degree Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) oven for around 10-12 minutes. This keeps the breading lively instead of soggy, making it almost as tasty as when first cooked.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast cutlets?

Absolutely! Thighs will give you a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through, as thighs tend to be a bit thicker than cutlets.

What’s the best way to zest lemons without getting bitter bits?

Use a microplane or fine grater, only removing the bright yellow outer layer. Avoid grating into the white pith, which is what gives a bitter taste.

Can I make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap the all purpose flour and panko for gluten-free versions. The chicken will still come out crisp and delicious.

How spicy is this recipe—can I dial down the pepper?

If you prefer less of a peppery bite, simply reduce the black pepper to suit your taste. The recipe is easy to customize for all palates.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! This Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe holds up well for a few days, making it great for prepping ahead and enjoying for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that never gets old, give this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe a spot in your kitchen rotation. It’s surprisingly simple, always stunning, and bursting with that perfect blend of bright, peppery flavor. Go ahead—your weeknight dinners will thank you!