Healthy Lemon Pepper Chicken – A Light, Zesty Weeknight Favorite
A light, zesty, and healthy lemon pepper chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice, zest, garlic, and cracked pepper — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Juice and zest of 2 lemons
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp salt
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1½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
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Optional: ½ tsp paprika, chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Pound chicken to even thickness.
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In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
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Heat a skillet or oven to cook chicken until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with herbs and extra lemon.
Notes
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Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier version.
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Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
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Serve with grains, salads, or roasted veggies.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.