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Incredibly flavorful and juicy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken is low-carb, gluten-free, and takes MINUTES to prepare. Sit back and relax while it cooks!
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Lemon lovers rejoice!
This easy, low-carb, and healthy chicken recipe will become a staple at your house. It's basically the same recipe as our super-popular Lemony Baked Basa and Lemon Pepper Tilapia, except that we used chicken instead. The appeal of both recipes is the ease of preparation (we're talking about 5 minutes) and the delicious lemony flavor.
This is a classic bake once, eat twice recipe that is very, very versatile.
We love these two concepts so much! Here's why.
Scenario: You're on your way home from work and don't have a dinner plan.
- First, you literally do not have to know anything more. Just pull the chicken out of the refrigerator and get it cooking ASAP. It's not a 30-minute meal exactly. But, it comes close and it is all hands-off cook time. While it bakes you have some quick decisions to make. We have your back with lots of ideas below.
- Second, while you are at it, make extra chicken so you will have leftovers and can make recipes like Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole the next day!
Happy Ending: In about 35-40 minutes, you have 2 or more dinners and possibly lunches ready to go.
I'm a big fan of making a dinner plan, but this scenario happens far too often. Now, I just plan on it.
I keep everything I need to make this recipe and other easy prep recipes, like baked chili lime chicken and baked blackened chicken, on hand.
How do you make Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken?
Simply splash some lemon juice over the chicken, sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika over each piece of chicken, and place a sliver of butter on top. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 30 minutes. The beauty of this recipe is the simplicity of the preparation.
We've provided the measurements in the recipe below. But, the amounts can definitely be eyeballed.
Of course fresh lemon is best. But, we keep a bottle of lemon juice in the refrigerator and it works just fine.
The pat of butter helps create the lovely juicy top and makes the chicken moist and delicious. We used a scant teaspoon of butter per serving, and it is well worth it.
As for those little green specks you see... that's dried parsley and it is entirely optional. So are the lemon slices. Use these ingredients to up the presentation.
How do you make Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
To make your own lemon pepper seasoning, you will need to zest several lemons, dry out the zest and then combine it with mashed black peppercorns, salt and other spices such as thyme or minced onion. I'm 100% behind anyone who is up to the task. If so, check out this recipe for Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning.
Or, buy a jar to keep on your spice rack, which is exactly what I do! In addition to seasoning chicken and fish, use it to liven up vegetables. Sprinkle it on before or after cooking.
Note that depending on how much salt is included in a blend, you will not need to add additional salt to the recipe.
What do you serve with lemon pepper chicken?
Lemon pepper chicken is very versatile. Simple sides such as green beans, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, new potatoes, and carrots will easily round out dinner. Many of these vegetables will cook nicely alongside the chicken, too. Other ideas include serving it over salad greens, couscous, or roasted cauliflower rice.
Slice or dice the chicken and use it in:
- Casseroles like Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole Pie
- Soups like Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili
- Salads like Napa Cabbage Salad or Chicken Strawberry Walnut Salad
- Make ahead lunches like Taco Salads in Mason Jars
Is lemon chicken healthy?
I absolutely love this recipe because it is such an easy way to add healthy protein to your diet. Dice chicken and freeze it to increase the protein content of meals. It's perfect for South Beach Phase I diet and it's keto-friendly too.
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe
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Equipment
- DOT® Simple Alarm Thermometer
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoons butter
- Parsley garnish optional
- Lemon slices optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place chicken in a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently spoon lemon juice over chicken.
- Sprinkle remaining ingredients over chicken.
- Place butter slice on top of chicken.
- Bake uncovered for approx. 30 minutes or until chicken temperature registers 165 F and juices run clear. Spoon juices over chicken, if desired.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon slices, if using.
Notes
Nutrition
Mary says
Beautiful
Chis says
OMG What I have ever wanted in a meal!!
Lynda McCarthy says
Juiciest chicken breasts I've ever done. My new "go-to" recipe!
Anthony Reid says
Your recipes are very tasty and easy to prepare.
Jane Regehr says
This recipe is super! Just as super as your Lemon Basa Fillets! I baked these from frozen and baked them for 45 minutes. They were terrific!
Marjory Pilley says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Gloria A says
I doubled the recipe to have leftovers for another meal for me and my husband. My last lemon was bad, so I substituted lime juice, otherwise followed the recipe. It was VERY juicy and flavorful. I made asparagus as a side. It fits nicely into my keto meal planning. Thank you!
Aleca C says
This was soo good! My husband raved over it. Only thing I did different was marinate my chicken overnight with a couple splashes of lemon juice. So yummy!
Thinking of trying chicken tenders next time. Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
Brandie says
Very easy and fun to make because you know your family will love the taste and its healthy!!
Tracy says
Big hit tonight at dinner! Definitely making this again!
Marjory Pilley says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!
Pamela says
Made this last night. It was delicious!
John Nelson says
Used this recipie for a low carb meal along with Lemon-Pepper Green Beans, and Low fat Greek Spinich salad! 😉
John says
I've not made this yet . Have a kind of a silly question can I just use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast since I can't afford chicken breast with my income? Thank you
Marjory Pilley says
Absolutely!
Barbara Miller says
Be CAREFUL with use of aluminun foil, cans, and foil pans. Research proved that adults who developed Alzheiners had high levels of aluminum collected in their blood!
Chris Dotson says
Best to pound down the thick chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin at thicke parts so they’re an even piece of chicken- this is so they cook evenly. Brush with some oil before seasoning and then a quick splash of lemon before oven. EXCELLENT RECIPE for ‘grilled chicken’ Caesar salad. Delicious thank you! Sorry for my ‘additions’ but this is what I did per my experience in the kitchen and it made even cooking easier, and quicker in oven so juicier chicken. Thanks!
Marjory Pilley says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Brittney says
Hello. How should I alter the recipe for a group of 15-20. Thank you.
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! Use sheet pans to cook the recipe. There is a slider under for the serving size so you can adjust the quantities. The cook time may be a little longer, so it will be very, very helpful to use insert a meat thermometer while the chicken is cooking to get it just right. Enjoy!!!
Michael Kelley says
Making this for the first time tonight! Hope it turns out tasting delicious! Love finding different recipes!!!
Lindsey Stewart says
I’m going to make this for sure. Do you think it would work with a small pork tenderloin
Marjory Pilley says
I've never tried it! I think it might! Be liberal with the lemon pepper seasoning. And, please let me know if you try it!