Hey y'all! If you're craving a dish that's bursting with flavor and easy enough to whip up any night of the week, this Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken is calling your name. With a luscious, zesty sauce and perfectly seared Chicken, it's the ideal meal for family dinners, date nights, or just treating yourself. Not only is it incredibly comforting, but the fresh lemon and pepper combo gives it that irresistible zing. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, creamy sauce with bright lemon and bold cracked pepper flavor.
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have.
Deliciously comforting and pairs well with many sides.
Easy to dress up for guests or keep casual for any meal.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
⅔ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper (for sauce)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Lemon slices, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper.
Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Pepper Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld.
Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve hot!

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
If sauce thickens too much, add an extra splash of chicken broth.
Freshly cracked pepper makes a big difference in taste—don't use pre-ground pepper!

Variations

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for juicier results.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter.
Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra richness.

Required Equipment

Large skillet
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs
Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
Pair with roasted or steamed green beans, asparagus, or a crisp green salad for balance.
Warm, crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment to mop up every drop of sauce.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it extra juicy.
Don't cook the garlic for too long—30 seconds is plenty to avoid bitterness.
Use fresh lemons for both the juice and zest for maximum bright flavor.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and turn out extra tender—just add a few extra minutes of cook time if needed.

How can I make this healthier?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, and use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version; you may also serve with a larger portion of vegetables.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, simply double all sauce ingredients for even more creamy goodness—just be sure to use a large enough skillet.

Prep & Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes