Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce
If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-prepare chicken dish that’s sure to impress, look no further than this irresistible Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce. With its vibrant lemon pepper seasoning and a luxurious creamy sauce, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of bright, zesty flavors and velvety richness.
🌟 What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes this Lemon Pepper Chicken so special is the perfect harmony of bold, punchy lemon pepper seasoning and a luxuriously creamy sauce. The chicken comes out juicy and tender, while the sauce adds a silky, indulgent touch that complements the citrusy flavors beautifully. Plus, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
The beauty of this Lemon Pepper Chicken is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of zesty lemon pepper seasoning and rich, creamy sauce creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken recipes perennially popular.
👨🍳 How to Make Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce
• Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and garlic. Whisk to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
• Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened further.
• Step 6: Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken Parmesan which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken saves you 20 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 780mg
These Lemon Pepper Chicken recipes provide approximately 78% of your daily protein requirements and 40% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a lower-carb alternative like grated Parmesan crisps.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and skip the Parmesan.
• Added protein: Serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté some spinach or broccoli florets in the skillet along with the garlic for added nutrition.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Lemon Pepper Chicken.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with roasted potatoes or a side of garlic-parmesan risotto for a more indulgent dinner.
• Complement the Lemon Pepper Chicken with a light, refreshing spring mix salad and a crisp white wine.
• For a family-style meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Create an elegant appetizer platter by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and arranging with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Lemon Pepper Chicken can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
What can I substitute for the lemon pepper seasoning?
If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend by mixing together 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You can also use a combination of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a more herbal flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on any pre-made seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
To keep the chicken juicy and tender, be sure not to overcook it. Keep a close eye on the chicken and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The creamy sauce also helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily customize this Lemon Pepper Chicken by adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of fresh basil or parsley. Just be mindful of not overwhelming the delicate lemon pepper flavors.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Sauce represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight family dinner or an elegant main course for guests, they’re sure to impress with their juicy chicken, zesty lemon pepper seasoning, and rich, velvety sauce. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Lemon Pepper Chicken dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home?
