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A cooked lemon pepper chicken dinner on a white plate with sides.

Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken for One

This zesty lemon pepper chicken recipe is perfect for a single serving. It features a tender, seasoned chicken breast with a flavorful pan sauce, ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 count boneless, skinless chicken breast about 5-6 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1-2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 lemon for zest and juice
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter optional, for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth or white wine
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish, optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If the chicken breast is thick, butterfly it or pound it to 1/2-inch thickness, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Seasoning
  1. Season both sides of the chicken generously with lemon pepper seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste; optionally, rub lemon zest directly onto the chicken for extra flavor.
Cooking
  1. Heat a small to medium skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until it shimmers.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
  3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Pan Sauce (Optional)
  1. While chicken rests, return the skillet to medium heat, melt butter (if using), and add chicken broth or white wine, scraping up browned bits.
  2. Squeeze in lemon juice and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
Serving
  1. Slice the rested chicken, arrange on a plate, drizzle with warm pan sauce, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For thinner chicken, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out. The pan sauce adds significant flavor and moisture, so it's highly recommended.