I absolutely love the art of preparing mouthwatering dishes and getting ready without any hassle. This delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is a pure example of the type of recipe I love creating and sharing with my audience. This delightful chicken preparation is everything you need on your platter for any sophisticated dinner or a weekend at home.
My first encounter with this dish was quite surprising. I first tried the delightful combination of chicken infused with the vibrant flavors of lemon and black pepper. It was quite an experience for me, as this delectable dish’s flavors were refreshing and balanced. While enjoying the dish in a Mediterranean restaurant, I was sure I would make it at home. And here I am with a full-fledged blog on how you can bring this Mediterranean delicacy into your kitchen.
This delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken comes together quickly and has satisfying flavors. Let’s dive in and learn how to make it at home.
What Type of Chicken Should I Use to Make This Recipe?
You could use whatever you prefer for the Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs are the best choice. Cooking times would vary for different parts of the chicken you use. Chicken breasts are cooked evenly and relatively quickly, whereas chicken thighs and drumsticks take more time.
If you prefer darker meat or want a more budget-friendly option, you can use a mix of chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breast pieces for a whole family meal.
What to serve with this fantastic and easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe?
Pairing a dish with a suitable side dish can often elevate the eating experience. Here is a list of sides that pair excellently with our Lemon Chicken:
Mashed Potatoes
Chicken and creamy potatoes are a match made in heaven. A side of mashed creamy potatoes will pair excellently with our Lemon Pepper Chicken, complementing its robust flavors and balancing the spiciness.
Garlic Rice
A simple yet delectable way to serve lemon pepper chicken is with garlic rice made with butter. The earthiness and aroma of garlic and butter will surely make the whole platter a hit.
Roasted Vegetables
A bowl of roasted veggies is one of the best and most subtle things to serve with lemon pepper. You can experiment with many veggies, including bell peppers, zucchini, onions, beans, etcetera. Just saute them in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a vibrant match with the main dish.
Refreshing salad
A refreshing cucumber salad is one of the best pairings for this dish. To make such a salad, thinly slice some English cucumbers and toss them with lemon juice, mint leaves, and red onions.
Expert Tips to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
Elevate your lemon pepper chicken with these expert tips, from infusing the oil to serving the dish and achieving the perfect balance of lemon and pepper in the chicken.
Infuse the oil with flavors.
Before searing the chicken in the oil, let the whole spices infuse their aromatic flavors into it. Let them pop into the oil for 5-10 seconds, stirring occasionally. This will further enhance the flavors of the chicken, infusing it with aromatic deliciousness.
Marinate with Perfection
Marinating the chicken perfectly will yield the best results, so you must mix everything well. Also, ensure that all the chicken pieces are well-covered with the marinade on both sides.
Further, allow the marination to rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking, as this will allow the chicken to soak up all the goodness and give you the juiciest Lemon Pepper Chicken.
Temperature Control
When cooking this Lemon Pepper Chicken, keeping an eye on the temperature is of utmost importance. Keep the flame on high to medium while searing the chicken once both sides are perfectly cooked and appear to be golden brown.
Lower the flame after adding the leftover marination and let the chicken simmer for some time. This simmering will allow the chicken to cook evenly on the inside as well, making it moist, juicy, and tender.
Presentation Matters
Presentation is an important aspect of cooking; hence, how you plate your final dish often enhances its taste and deliciousness. Garnish the prepared lemon pepper chicken with some chopped coriander. This will not only add a refreshing touch but will also give the dish a pop of color.
Additionally, it is important to serve it with a complimenting side, like your favorite bread or some steaming rice.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe | Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 pieces (800 grams) of Chicken thighs and Drumsticks
- 1 tsp / 6 g Salt
- 1 tsp / 2 g Black pepper
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp / 30 g ginger garlic paste
- 2 tsp / 20 g Green chilis paste
- 1 tsp / 5 ml Lemon zest
- 1 cup / 245 g plain Yogurt
For Cooking
- 4 tbsp / 60 ml Cooking oil
- 4 Cardamom
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 3 Cloves
- 10-12 Black peppercorns
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5 pieces Green chilis
- ½ tsp / 1 g Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp / 15 ml Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp chopped Coriander
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Take a mixing bowl and add 800 grams of chicken. Then add the salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and ginger-garlic paste.
- Next, take green chili, throw it into a grinding stone, and make a fine paste. Add the chili paste and yogurt, and give everything a good mix.
- Once everything is well combined, let the marinated chicken rest for 30 minutes.
Cook The Chicken
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Pour 4 tbsp of cooking oil into the pan.
- Once the oil is heated, add all the spices, including cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, and bay leaves.
- Saute them for about 2-3 seconds.
- Add the chicken to the pan, and fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden brown color is achieved.
Add the Leftover Marination
- Once the pieces are cooked well on both sides, pour in the leftover marinade and mix it well. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes over medium to low heat.
- After the chicken is cooked, lightly mix the pieces with a spatula. Add 4-5 small green chilies and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.
- Next, add a dash of lemon juice on top and give the chicken a nice stir.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped coriander, transfer the food to a serving plate, and enjoy warmly.
Video
I hope you enjoy preparing this dish as much as I did. With its robust flavors and aromas, this Lemon Pepper chicken recipe is one of my most loved creations. I love how the refreshing lemon juice pairs with the spiciness of pepper and creates a symphony that is loved by most. Do try this incredible recipe and immerse yourself in the joy of cooking delicious recipes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I replace the chicken thighs and drumsticks with chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts to make this recipe. Adjust the cooking time, as overcooking might lead the breasts to dry out. You can also slice the breasts into thin pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
How can I make this Lemon Pepper Chicken less spicy?
If you are not a fan of spicy food, then you can prepare a milder version of the Lemon Pepper Chicken by reducing the amount of black pepper and green chili paste.
Can I grill the meat instead of frying it in a skillet or pan?
Grilling can be an excellent alternative to skillet or pan-frying the chicken. Grill the chicken pieces nicely until well cooked, then cook it with the spices and leftover marinade.
Can I use lemon pepper seasoning instead of fresh lemon juice and pepper?
Yes, you can use ready seasoning, but the taste will be slightly different because you don’t use fresh lemon juice and fresh pepper.
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