Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken

$To make lemon pepper chicken, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup olive oil - Zest of 2 large lemons - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can swap some ingredients to suit your taste or needs. Use canola oil instead of olive oil. Lemon zest can be replaced with lime zest for a twist. If you lack fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is best. You can use powdered garlic instead of garlic powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the black pepper. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. Fresh ingredients often bring more flavor than dried ones. Fresh lemon juice offers a bright taste that dried cannot match. The same goes for lemon zest; fresh zest has a strong, zesty aroma. Use fresh black pepper for a better flavor punch. However, if you only have dried spices, they will work fine. Just remember to adjust the amounts since dried spices are more potent. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Next, zest two large lemons to get that fresh flavor. Then, squeeze the lemons to collect 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Add 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. If you like some heat, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend well. Next, take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Now, let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. When the grill is ready, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off, but don’t wipe it clean. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. When done, move the chicken to a plate. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices stay inside the meat. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your zesty lemon pepper chicken! To boost the flavor of your lemon pepper chicken, follow these tips: - Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a bright taste. - Marinate longer: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least an hour. This helps the flavors soak in deeper. - Add herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can give extra flavor. - Grill with care: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. This helps get nice grill marks and flavor. Avoid these pitfalls for perfect lemon pepper chicken: - Don't skip the marinating step: Skipping this can lead to dull flavors. - Watch the cooking time: Overcooking can make the chicken dry. Always check the internal temperature. - Skip the salt: Salt is key. It enhances all the flavors in your dish. - Don't wipe off excess marinade: Let some marinade stay on the chicken. It adds to the taste. Resting the chicken is vital. Here’s why and how: - Let it rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to settle. - Garnish for beauty: Use fresh parsley to make the dish look appealing. - Serve with sides: Pair with grilled veggies or a fresh salad. The colors will pop and taste great together. - Add lemon wedges: They not only look nice but can be squeezed over the chicken for extra zing! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly by checking the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Let it Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside, resulting in a juicier bite. Experiment with Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor that complements the lemon. {{image_2}} You can add fresh herbs to your lemon pepper chicken for extra flavor. Use herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Chop them finely and mix them into your marinade. This will add a fresh taste and aroma. You can also sprinkle herbs on top before serving for a lovely look. If you like heat, try adding more red pepper flakes to your marinade. Start with 1 teaspoon and see how it tastes. You can also add hot sauce for extra spice. This variation gives a nice kick to the dish. It pairs well with a cool side, like a creamy coleslaw. Cut the chicken breasts into cubes for skewers. Marinate the cubes just like before. Thread them onto skewers with bell peppers and onions. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. This makes a fun and easy meal for parties or picnics. Serve them with a side of rice or salad. After grilling your lemon pepper chicken, let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze lemon pepper chicken for up to three months. When it's time to reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave, but that may dry it out. To keep it moist, cover it with a damp paper towel. Enjoy your lemon pepper chicken again! Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight. Marinating for this long helps the flavors soak in. It makes the chicken juicier and more tasty. Just remember to store it in the fridge. This keeps the chicken safe and fresh. Many sides pair nicely with lemon pepper chicken. Here are some great options: - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - A light salad with mixed greens - Steamed rice or quinoa - Mashed potatoes with herbs - Roasted potatoes for a crunchy bite These sides add color and balance to your meal. The best way to check if chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. Always make sure to check for doneness to stay safe. In this article, we covered the key ingredients for making tasty lemon pepper chicken. We explored ingredient substitutions and the difference between fresh and dried items. You learned step-by-step instructions on preparing the marinade, marinating the chicken, and grilling tips. We shared useful tips for enhancing flavor and avoiding mistakes. We also discussed fun variations, like lemon pepper chicken skewers. Finally, remember the best ways to store and reheat your chicken. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to try new things. Keep experimenting with flavors!$

Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a zesty lemon and pepper mixture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.25 cup olive oil
2 large lemons, zest
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off (but don’t wipe it clean).
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant look. Pair with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, grilled, lemon, marinade, pepper