Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with zesty lemon, cracked black pepper, and aromatic spices, seared to golden perfection on the stovetop and finished in the oven for juicy, delicious results.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and salt, mixing well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring all surfaces are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Oven Bake: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake the chicken breasts for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with cilantro if desired.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Serve with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
