There’s something so satisfying about a quick, zesty dinner that fills the kitchen with fresh lemony scents—this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe hits that note perfectly. It’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and drenched in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce that keeps you coming back for more.

A white round pan contains four cooked chicken fillets with a golden brown color and a slightly charred texture on top. The chicken is covered with small bits of garlic and black pepper, creating a speckled look. There are thin, half-moon lemon slices placed on and around the chicken. The pan has a light brown sauce covering the bottom, giving a glossy, moist look to the dish. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with small lemon wedges and a pepper container partially visible near the top edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe on a hectic weeknight, and it quickly became a favorite because of how effortless it is. The bold flavors, speedy cooking, and that silky sauce make it feel special without the fuss.

Simple yet flavorful: Uses pantry staples and fresh lemon to bring bright, punchy flavor with minimal effort.
Quick to prepare: Ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying fast.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with herbs, spice levels, or sides to suit whatever you’re craving.
Perfectly balanced: Crispy chicken with a rich, buttery sauce—comfort meets tangy freshness every single time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, complementary ingredients. Each one is there for a reason, providing texture, flavor, or that perfect golden crust. When you get the ingredient combo right, you can’t go wrong.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with natural texture, a small white ceramic bowl of fine arrowroot powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse lemon pepper seasoning, a few golden kosher salt crystals scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with unsalted butter cubes, two whole uncracked garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh pale yellow lemon juice, one whole fresh lemon sliced to show bright yellow flesh and zest, a small white ceramic bowl of clear low-sodium chicken broth, a small pile of vibrant chopped parsley leaves, and a few lemon slices with zest visible, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Easy to slice thin for quick cooking and juicy results when not overcooked.
Arrowroot powder: Creates a light coating that crisps beautifully without heavy breading; feel free to swap with flour if you prefer.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The star seasoning adding zingy citrus and a peppery kick right on the chicken.
Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and helps the crust develop.
Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken—adds a subtle fruity aroma and helps crisp the crust.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create a silky pan sauce with garlic.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with savory depth.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a tangy lift to balance the richness.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful but not too salty, and helps deglaze the pan for those tasty browned bits.
Lemon zest: Fresh zest on top intensifies lemon flavor without extra acidity.
Fresh parsley and lemon slices (optional): For a pop of color and fresh herb aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe based on what’s in my fridge or craving vibe. You can easily amp up the spice, swap lemon with lime, or throw in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist.

Variation: I once added a splash of white wine to the pan sauce to deepen the flavor—it gave it a lovely complexity that paired beautifully with a crisp salad.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, skip the butter and use extra olive oil or coconut oil instead; it still tastes fantastic.
Seasonal twist: During berry season, serve with a side of sautéed spinach and strawberries for a surprising fresh contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds three main layers of food: on the left is a mound of fluffy white mashed potatoes, next to it on the right is a golden-brown cooked chicken piece topped with small bits of garlic and black pepper with lemon slices underneath and one lemon slice on top, and above that is a cluster of bright green steamed asparagus spears. The food is set on a white marbled surface with a silver fork resting on the left side of the plate. Nearby, there is a small bowl with thin yellow lemon slices and a black bowl filled with cracked black pepper. A white napkin with light grey stripes is partially visible in the lower left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slice and Season Like a Pro

Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to get thinner cutlets—trust me, this helps them cook fast and stay tender. Mix arrowroot, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt in a bowl and press this mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken. That seasoning coat is key for the flavor-packed crust you’re after.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering—this is when you’ll get the best sear. Add the chicken and cook without moving it for 3-4 minutes per side. The goal is a beautiful golden crust, so don’t rush flipping. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 160-165°F in the thickest part.

Step 3: Create That Lemony Garlic Sauce

Remove the chicken to a plate, then add butter and garlic to the same pan. Sauté quickly—just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon so nothing goes to waste. Let this reduce for a minute or two to concentrate the flavors.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken back to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest, and if you’re feeling fancy, throw on chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving. The lemon zest really lifts the dish to another level, adding that fresh zing right at the finish.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve realized a few little tricks make this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe truly shine. These pointers helped me avoid the most common pitfalls—take these along to make yours foolproof!

Don’t skip the thermometer: Chicken can go from juicy to dry fast—an instant-read thermometer helps you nail perfect doneness every time.
Even slicing matters: Cutting the breasts horizontally ensures the pieces cook evenly and won’t dry out before the crust is golden.
Deglaze the pan well: Scraping those browned bits when adding lemon juice and broth brings loads of flavor to the sauce—you don’t want to miss that moment.
Fresh lemon zest is a game changer: Adding zest after cooking enhances the lemon brightness in a way that juice alone can’t achieve.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh parsley and a few thin lemon slices. The parsley adds a fresh herbal note that contrasts nicely with the tangy sauce, and the lemon slices make it feel restaurant-worthy—even on a weeknight.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple: a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or garlic butter steamed asparagus. Roasted potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf also soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite a joy.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like plating the chicken over a bed of herbed couscous and drizzling extra sauce over the top. Adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted almonds gives the dish a fancy touch without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken, so just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it silky.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too—just cool completely before packing in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove with a bit of broth to revive the sauce.

Reheating

Reheating on low heat in a skillet works best for me—it helps maintain the chicken’s crispness and ensures the sauce doesn’t separate. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir in a tiny bit of liquid if it feels dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more forgiving if you like dark meat. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?

No worries. You can make your own by mixing ground black pepper with lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Sometimes adding a bit of garlic powder rounds it out nicely.

How can I thicken the sauce if it turns out too thin?

To thicken the sauce, just mix a small amount of arrowroot powder or flour with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it in while the sauce simmers until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It holds up well in the fridge for a few days and even freezes nicely, making it a great option to prepare ahead and enjoy later.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of those easy, dependable dishes I reach for when I want a fuss-free dinner that still feels vibrant and special. I’m betting once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it too—whether it’s a weeknight meal or your go-to quick dinner. Give it a whirl and enjoy that perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and tangy flavors!