Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Super Crispy Best Fried Chicken combines the crispy fried chicken with the zesty tang of lemon and the aromatic kick of pepper. If you like comfort food or looking to explore new flavours, this dish is for you. Here are the secrets of creating the perfect lemon pepper fried chicken, from marinating the chicken in a blend of lemon juice and spices to achieving the perfect golden-brown crust. This recipe instruction includes a full video guide to help you make it and take your cooking to the next level.
Lemon Pepper Chicken combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the warmth of freshly ground black pepper. It involves marinating chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, zest, and pepper.
The citrusy tang from the lemon complements the bold spiciness of the pepper, creating a perfect balance of flavors. When cooked to perfection, the chicken develops a golden-brown crust with a juicy and tender interior. Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe
- 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
- 📖Variations of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
- 💭Tips for Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- 🥗More Appetizer Recipes
- 🎥Video
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast is an ideal appetizer all year round and here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe.
- Flavorful and Tangy: The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic pepper creates a delightful balance of bright, tangy flavors that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
- Healthy Option: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, and when prepared with minimal oil or butter, it can be a healthy and nutritious choice.
- Aromatic and Inviting: The aroma of the lemon and pepper while the chicken is cooking can be enticing, filling your kitchen with a pleasant fragrance that can whet your appetite even before you take the first bite.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of lemon and pepper to suit your taste preferences, making it possible to create a dish that is perfectly tailored.
- Light and Refreshing: The citrusy tang of the lemon in the dish gives it a light and refreshing quality, making it an ideal choice, especially during the warmer months or when you're craving something fresh and vibrant.
- Simple and Easy to Make. Lemon pepper chicken breast recipes are often simple and quick to prepare, making them a convenient option for a delicious and satisfying meal, especially on busy days.
- Versatile. Lemon pepper chicken can be paired with various side dishes such as salads, vegetables, rice, or pasta, allowing for a diverse range of meal options to suit different tastes and preferences.
- Light and Refreshing. The citrusy tang of the lemon in the dish gives it a light and refreshing quality, making it an ideal choice, especially during the warmer months or when you're craving something fresh and vibrant.
If you like to see more appetizers then you could check out Garlic Shrimp and Loaded Potato with Shrimp.
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:
For a Crispy Chicken:
- Skinless and boneless chicken breast
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Eggs
- Mustard paste
- Red hot sauce
- Lemon juice
- Flour
- Cornstarch
For the Pepper Sauce:
- Butter
- Salt
- Ground pepper
If you are looking to make a Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast but need some ingredient substitutions, here are some alternatives you can consider:
- Lemon Juice: If you don't have fresh lemons, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice will generally provide the best flavor.
- Black Pepper: If you don't have lemon pepper seasoning, you can create a substitute by combining freshly ground black pepper with a small amount of lemon zest.
- Chicken Breast: If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Oil or Butter: You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice as a substitute for butter when cooking the chicken.
- Garlic: If you want to add garlic flavor but don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic as an alternative.
- Herbs: You can add other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the dish to add more flavor to your lemon pepper chicken.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Here are some delicious variations of the classic Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe:
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a lemon pepper marinade, then grill it for a smoky flavor. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken: Prepare the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning, then bake it in the oven for a hassle-free and healthy meal. You can add a crispy breadcrumb coating for extra texture.
- Skillet Lemon Pepper Chicken: Cook the seasoned chicken breast in a skillet with some olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Serve it with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Stir-fried Lemon Pepper Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into strips and stir-fry it with colorful bell peppers, snap peas, and a tangy lemon pepper sauce.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad: Slice or shred cooked lemon pepper chicken and toss it with fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a light and refreshing meal option.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked lemon pepper chicken and use it as a filling for soft tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime for a zesty and flavorful taco night.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta: Slice the chicken and toss it with cooked pasta, fresh herbs, and a creamy lemon pepper sauce for a satisfying and comforting pasta dish.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich: Serve the lemon pepper chicken breast on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty mayo or aioli for a satisfying and flavorful sandwich option.
Get creative and make a Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast variation by adding and experimenting with different berries, fruits and flavours. Get it your own twist!
👩🏻🍳How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
This step by step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1: Cut the chicken into 2-3 cm pieces and put in a bowl.
2: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper, mix well to combine.
3: Add the spices mixture to the chicken, and mix well to combine.
4: Add two eggs, mustard paste, red hot sauce, and lemon juice to the chicken, and mix well to combine.
5: Allow to marinate for 30 minutes.
6: In a bowl, add flour and cornstarch, and mix well to combine.
7: Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the flour mixture.
8: Fry the chicken pieces at 175°C ( 350°F) until browned and very crispy.
9: Put the crispy chicken in a bowl.
10: In a small bowl, melt butter, and then add salt and ground pepper, mix well to combine.
11: Pour over crispy fried chicken, coat them, and serve immediately. Garnish with chive.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast.
- Small bowl.
- Big bowl.
- Measuring spoons.
- Silicone spatula.
- Wooden board.
- Biscuits cutters.
- Baking tray.
- Brush.
- Cooling rack.
- Dough scraper.
- Citrus squeezer.
- Small pan.
- Whisk.
- Knife.
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
Here are the guidelines for storing, freezing, reheating, and defrosting lemon pepper chicken breast:
Storing: Store cooked lemon pepper chicken breast in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have prepared the chicken with a sauce or gravy, store the chicken separately from the sauce to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Freezing: To freeze lemon pepper chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. If you have a large quantity, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier thawing and reheating. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Defrosting: To defrost frozen lemon pepper chicken breast, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. If you're short on time, you can defrost the chicken in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use various methods:
- Oven: Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through.
- Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish and reheat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring in between until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Skillet: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil or butter, stirring occasionally until it's thoroughly heated.
Serving: This simple guide will show you how to serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast in a way that is both visually appealing and delicious:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a truly delicious and visually appealing chicken dish, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley cilantro and chive.
- Drizzle with Lemon Juice: To complete your chicken dish with a touch of citrusy zing, squeeze fresh lemon juice over it just before serving.
- Pair with Grains or Vegetables: Pair your lemon pepper chicken breast with your favorite grains or roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Add a Side Salad: To complete your chicken meal with a refreshing and crunchy element, serve it with a simple side salad, such as a mixed green salad or a cucumber and tomato salad.
- Serve with Refreshing Beverages: For a truly delightful dining experience, pair your lemon pepper chicken breast with a refreshing beverage such as iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine to complement the flavours and create a well-rounded meal.
For a truly delicious and satisfying lemon pepper chicken breast meal, follow these serving suggestions to elevate the flavours and presentation, offering your guests a delightful and memorable dining experience.
💭Tips for Making Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Here are some tips to help you make delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast:
Marinating Time: For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon pepper seasoning for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provide the best flavor for the dish.
Adjust Lemon Pepper Ratio: Adjust the ratio of lemon to pepper based on your personal taste preferences.
Uniform Thickness: For even cooking, ensure that the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness.
Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Consider incorporating additional herbs and spices such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, or paprika to add more flavor.
Fresh Garnish: Before serving, garnish the chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
Pairing Suggestions: Lemon pepper chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Following these tips, you can make a delicious and amazing Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast. Your family and friends will love it!
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast:
Marinating the chicken beforehand can help keep it moist and tender, avoid overcooking and consider using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken for added flavor and moisture. Ensure that the skin is well-seasoned with the lemon pepper seasoning to enhance the overall taste.
Yes, lemon pepper chicken breast can be prepared in the air fryer. Coat the chicken with the seasoning and cook it in the air fryer at the recommended temperature and time for cooking.
Without a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
Lemon pepper chicken breast pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh green salad.
🥗More Appetizer Recipes
Here are more of my favourite appetizer recipes! Try these:
If you make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating at the bottom of this page! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. Also, let me know how you go in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
I love to cook, bake and share my recipes with you! If you want more delicious recipes you can subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest!
🎥Video
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic Crispy Lemon Pepper fried chicken bites!
📖 Recipe
Crispy Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Crispy Chicken
- 3 skinless and boneless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoon mustard paste
- 3 tablespoon red hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 100 g flour
- 50 g cornstarch
Pepper Sauce
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 2-3 cm pieces and put in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper, mix well to combine.
- Add the spices mixture to the chicken, mix well to combine.
- Add two eggs, mustard paste, red hot sauce, and lemon juice to the chicken, mix well to combine
- Allow to marinate for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, add flour and cornstarch, mix well to combine.
- Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken pieces at 175°C ( 350°F) until browned and very crispy.
- Put the crispy chicken in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, melt butter, and then add salt and ground pepper, mix well to combine.
- Pour over crispy fried chicken, coat them, and serve immediately. Garnish with chive.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John
These are seriously addictive! The perfect balance of zesty lemon and peppery heat. I could eat the whole batch.