Description
This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe brings together the zesty freshness of lemon with the savory richness of butter and herbs. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, thanks to the lemon pepper seasoning and a hint of cayenne, perfectly balanced by the tender, juicy chicken breasts.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste (omit if your lemon pepper seasoning contains salt)
4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2–2 ½ pounds total)
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
¼ cup butter, softened
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Layer lemon rounds in the bottom of a baking dish.
Sprinkle salt on the bottom of each chicken breast. Flip and place salted-side-down on top of the lemon slices.
In a small bowl, mix together lemon pepper seasoning, softened butter, salt (if using), and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken. If using chicken thighs, place some butter mixture under the skin.
Bake chicken for 25 to 28 minutes (for boneless chicken breasts) or 35 to 40 minutes (for bone-in chicken thighs), or until the internal temperature reaches 161°F (72°C). Baste chicken with melted butter drippings halfway through the cook time.
Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. The internal temperature should rise to 165°F (74°C) while resting.
Portion chicken onto serving plates. Drizzle with additional melted lemon-pepper butter, sprinkle parsley on top, and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310