Craving a dish that’s packed with bold flavors and a touch of tang?

This Lemon Pepper Chicken will do the trick! Tender chicken breasts, a rich and creamy lemon pepper sauce, and a delightful golden crust make this dish irresistible.

Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Pepper Chicken is the perfect balance of juicy chicken and creamy, tangy sauce.

The combination of lemon pepper seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice creates a flavor-packed experience.

The creamy sauce, with hints of mustard powder, honey, and a touch of brown sugar, adds complexity to each bite.

It’s simple to make, yet feels indulgent, making it perfect for a family dinner or dinner party!

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, the chicken is light, juicy, and tender, perfect for this rich sauce.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A zesty blend that adds the perfect citrusy kick to the chicken.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a creamy, nutty richness to the sauce.

Dry White Wine: Enhances the sauce with a touch of acidity and depth of flavor.

Honey & Brown Sugar: A slight sweetness to balance the tanginess of the lemon and mustard.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Flattening the Chicken: Be sure to pound the chicken to ½ inch thick to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth for a milder flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture in the sauce.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste preferences. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more!

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

Combine the chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, heavy cream, honey, brown sugar, mustard powder, parsley, oregano, and coarse black pepper in a large measuring cup.

Stir well to mix, then set aside. Measure out the other ingredients before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces (about 2-3 slices per breast).

Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to a thickness of ½ inch.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle each side of the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning, then lightly coat with flour, rubbing it evenly across the surface.

The flour helps give the chicken a golden crust and thickens the sauce later.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

With the skillet still over medium heat, add dry white wine and use a spatula to scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan (this is the “fond” which adds depth to the sauce).

Let the wine bubble and reduce by half, about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Add Butter and Garlic

Stir in butter and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 7: Add Flour

Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 8: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

Gradually add the chicken broth mixture from earlier in small splashes, stirring continuously.

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 9: Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.

Then, gently add the lemon juice, stirring to combine.

Step 10: Return the Chicken

Place the chicken back in the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer uncovered for 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further.

Add the lemon wedges to the skillet and simmer for an additional minute to infuse more lemon flavor.

Step 11: Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper for a finishing touch.

Serve the chicken immediately, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.

Serving Ideas

Serve this Lemon Pepper Chicken with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a bed of rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

It’s also fantastic with a side of crispy roasted potatoes or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.

Variations/Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

No Wine: Use extra chicken broth or a splash of white vinegar as a substitute for dry white wine.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the Lemon Pepper Chicken?
Yes, the chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store the sauce separately. Reheat both when ready to enjoy.

What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile.

Can I adjust the lemon flavor?
If you love a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice or even a splash of lemon zest to the sauce for extra zing.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitution and will give the dish a slightly richer flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pepper Chicken is a perfect blend of rich, creamy sauce and crispy, seasoned chicken.

The addition of lemon pepper seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice creates a flavor profile that’s both vibrant and comforting.

Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.