Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken is a delicious dinner that’s done in just over 30 minutes. It’s full of fresh lemon flavor and takes just a handful of ingredients to make.
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Why this Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken is a Keeper
I love this recipe because it’s an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
- Quick Dinner: This chicken recipe comes together fast, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Juicy Results: The method helps keep chicken breast tender and moist. My family like lemon pepper blend on so many things.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples for the chicken marinade.
- Family Favorite: The bright, mild flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes. Finish with a lemon wedge on the side.
- Serve with: Jasmine Rice, Boursin Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots or Velveeta Broccoli Rice Casserole.
How Do you Keep Chicken Breast from Drying Out?
To keep the large chicken breasts juicy when baked in the oven, add a bit of chicken broth to the casserole dish to prevent the chicken from drying.
Pro Tip for Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken
Use real lemon zest for deeper flavor Bottled lemon pepper seasoning is great, but adding fresh lemon zest wakes up the lemon pepper flavor. It gives you that bright, clean lemon flavor that doesn’t cook off in the oven.
Ingredient Notes to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
You need just 8 pantry staples to make this lemon and pepper chicken breast recipe.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts to make this weeknight dinner.
- Lemons: You really only need 2 lemons, but I always pick up 3 so that I can have fresh squeezed lemon juice for the sauce.
- Lemon Pepper: Use any brand of lemon pepper seasoning, or you can make homemade lemon pepper. Make your own Lemon Pepper Seasoning with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, dried lemon zest and black pepper.
Variations and Substitutions for Lemon Chicken Dinner
Usually, easy chicken recipes are super customizable. Take this one to the next level by adding heat, herbs or trying it with different chicken.
➡️ Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs: Instead of chicken breast use skin-on chicken thighs for a richer flavor and extra moisture.
➡️ Add Garlic: Mix in garlic for additional depth of flavor.
➡️ Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for heat for this excellent recipe.
➡️ Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle parsley or thyme for a fresh finish. When I make this recipe I finish the dish with some fresh lemon slices.
Kitchen Tools To Make This Easy Baked Chicken Recipe
You don’t need anything fancier than a skillet and a large baking dish.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: I use a 9×13 inch baking dish to make sure I have plenty of room for all of the ingredients.
- Skillet: You will need a skillet or pan to make the sauce in.
How to Make Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe
This baked chicken recipe comes together in 3 super easy steps. This recipe for baked lemon pepper chicken is so good, it quickly became one of my favorite ways to make a chicken dinner.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush olive oil onto both sides of each chicken breast. Season all sides of the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning and place in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Bake the Chicken Slice the lemons with a sharp knife. Arrange the lemon slices on top of, and around, the chicken. Bake for about 25 minutes, then let rest while you make the sauce.
- Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce: Melt butter over medium-high heat in a skillet. Then, whisk in the flour, followed by the chicken broth. Add the fresh lemon juice and allow to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle over cooked chicken.
Prep Ahead Tips for Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Make this easy weeknight dinner recipe for dinner even faster with a few make-ahead steps. here are some tips if you make this recipe for dinner tonight.
➡️ Season Ahead: Prepare the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
➡️ Use Pre-Mixed Seasoning: Pre-mix your homemade lemon pepper seasoning. This saves time and ensures consistent flavor.
➡️ Line the Pan: Use foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
Alternate Cooking for Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Make this easy baked lemon pepper chicken recipe another way by using your air fryer or grill.
- Air Fryer: Cook at a high temperature for a shorter time while maintaining juiciness.
- Grill: Cook over medium heat for a slightly smoky flavor.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs or Do Baked Chicken Wings Instead?
Yes, baked chicken wings or chicken thighs are a great substitution here.
What Can I Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken?
Serve this easy recipe with Roasted Smashed Potatoes or Chickpea Feta Salad.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Baked Lemon Chicken
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out.
- Using Leftovers: Slice and use in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Expert Tips to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning Chicken
➡️ Even Thickness: Pound boneless chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
➡️ Do Not Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken. Chicken is cooked when the internal temperature of the thickest part of chicken reaches 165 degrees.
➡️ Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest to keep it juicy.
➡️ Use Fresh Lemon: This provides the best flavor.
➡️ Check Early: Start checking doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
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Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons Lemon pepper, depending on how much you like
- 2 Lemons
Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Flour
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Brush olive oil on both sides of the chicken.
- Sprinkle lemon pepper over both sides of the chicken. Place in a 9 inch casserole dish.
- Slice the lemons, and place on top of chicken, and inside the casserole dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes while you make the sauce
Sauce
- In a pan, melt butter over medium high heat.
- Stir flour into the melted butter, cooking for 1 minute.
- Whisk in the chicken stock.
- Add lemon juice and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle sauce over prepared chicken.
Christina’s Notes
- This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a tasty dish the whole family will love, to double this recipe proportionally increase ingredients.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs: Rather than lemon pepper chicken legs or breasts, you can also use chicken thighs for very similar results.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of chicken breasts that you use.
- Optional Add ins: You can also season chicken with a bit of garlic, onion powder, fresh parsley, or lemon zest.
- Keep Juicy Chicken Breasts: When reheating chicken add a bit of chicken broth to the casserole dish to prevent the chicken from drying.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.