Description
Lemon pepper chicken is a thin chicken cutlet seared until golden and finished with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. This elegant yet simple dinner comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds), sliced in half horizontally
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or all-purpose flour)
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the arrowroot powder (or flour), lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing it in lightly.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160–165°F (71–74°C), then transfer to a plate.
6. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Stir in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, simmering for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top.
9. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
10. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Slice the chicken horizontally while it’s still slightly cold—it’s easier to cut evenly and less likely to tear.
Press the seasoning into the chicken lightly so it adheres better and creates a flavorful crust.
Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for brighter, cleaner flavor in the sauce.
Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding chicken so it develops a golden crust quickly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg