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Lemon Pepper Chicken πŸ‹πŸ—

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If you're seeking new inspiring ways to cook chicken, then our Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken is just what you need! This high-protein, low-carb dish is perfect for those on a keto diet. With its tangy lemon and pepper combo, it's both nutritious and delicious.

The best thing about this recipe is that you can make it under 30 minutes!

Lemon pepper chicken recipe served on a plate on a kitchen table with other vegetables like tomatoes and lemons.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making this Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe is a breeze, suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Simply season the chicken breasts, cook them in a skillet until done, and transfer them to a plate. Next, turn those delicious pan juices into a tangy sauce by adding onions, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of cream. In just around 25 minutes, you'll have a tender and flavor-packed low-carb chicken!

Chef's note

Get ready to put your own spin on this recipe! Feel free to experiment with various flavors and ingredients. Add a kick of spiciness with cayenne or a smoky depth with smoked paprika. Or go with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to bring a delightful aromatic touch. If you crave some extra texture, consider adding crushed almonds or grated parmesan.

  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients for this keto lemon pepper chicken recipe

πŸ— For the pepper chicken

  • 4 medium chicken breasts
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Β½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pepper chicken on a floral plate.

πŸ‹ Sauce ingredients

  • Β½ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional or to taste
  • 3-ounce butter
  • Β½ small yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Β½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • ΒΌ cup heavy cream
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (optional for garnish)

Ingredient substitutions

  • Skinless chicken breasts: You can use boneless and skinless chicken thighs for higher fat and flavor.
  • Red chili flakes: Use cayenne pepper or sriracha if you don't have chili flakes.
  • Yellow onion: Use red onion if you don't have a yellow one or if you want a milder flavor.
  • Heavy cream: Use coconut cream as a dairy-free option.
  • Butter: You can use ghee or avocado oil if you don't have butter or don't like it.
Homemade lemon pepper chicken recipe served on a plate.

Additional ingredients

Add these optional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish:

  • Fresh herbs: To elevate the taste of the dish, consider adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil leaves.
  • Red pepper flakes: For some extra heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a topping.
  • Parmesan cheese: You can grate some Parmesan cheese before serving.
  • Dijon mustard: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce to introduce a sharp, tangy flavor.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Measuring spoons
  • Stovetop
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Plate
  • Tongs or spatula

Tools substitute options

  • Cast iron skillet: If you don't have this, you can use a stainless steel skillet, a non-stick skillet, or a Dutch oven.
  • Tongs or a spatula: You can use a fork if you don't have these at home.
Chicken recipe sliced into pieces.

How to make Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all your ingredients.
  2. Prepare all the needed tools.
  3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Chicken seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cooking instructions

For the chicken breasts

  1. Pour the olive oil into the cast iron skillet. Make sure the heat is medium-high.
  2. Once the skillet is hot enough, add the chicken breast. Now, cook each side for around 4 to 5 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165Β°F.
  3. Transfer them to a plate and set them aside when cooked.
Seasoned chicken breasts being cooked in cast iron pan.
Chicken breasts being browned in a cast iron pan.

For the creamy lemon sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, then deglaze the pan with lemon juice and cook for a minute.
  2. Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Then stir in heavy cream and let it thicken.
  3. Once the sauce is thick enough, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and heat it through.
  4. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle some chopped parsley, and garnish with lemon slices.
Onions, garlic, and lemon juice being cooked in melted butter in a cast iron pan.

Chef's pro tip

For tender keto chicken breasts, it's crucial to avoid overcooking. Stick to the suggested cooking time of 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F. If you want consistent results, consider pounding the chicken breasts to achieve uniform thickness. This way, you'll get soft filets every time.

What to serve with lemon pepper chicken?

Here are some ideas to enhance your meal and pair with lemon pepper chicken:

  • Zucchini noodles: Spiralize a zucchini, then sautΓ© the noodles in a pan with olive oil and minced garlic until they are tender. Season them to taste and serve immediately.
  • Cauliflower rice: Grate a cauliflower head until it resembles rice. SautΓ© it in a pan with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Roasted asparagus: Toss asparagus spears in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then roast them in a preheated oven until they are tender. You can also try our Mediterranean Asparagus recipe.
  • Kale or spinach salad: Toss your greens with sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Dress the salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette made from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Another popular dish to pair with keto chicken recipes is our Kale Salad.
  • Steamed veggies: Place your desired low-carb vegetables in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover them and steam until they are tender-crisp. Season them with salt, pepper, and keto-friendly herbs or spices.
Low carb lemon pepper chicken.

How to make it healthier

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth.
  • Use plain low-carb Greek yogurt instead of the heavy cream in the sauce.
  • You can sautΓ© or roast vegetables like asparagus or broccoli and add them to the sauce or serve them as a side dish.

Time-saving tips

  • Instead of mincing garlic cloves, use a garlic press or simply buy pre-sliced garlic or garlic paste.
  • Use a food processor to chop onions or other vegetables.
  • To cook the chicken evenly, try pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness. This technique guarantees consistent results and helps reduce cooking time. For added convenience, you can store the pounded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, allowing you to prepare meals in advance with ease.
Low carb chicken and lemon recipe.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Mix the garlic powder, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning in advance and store the mixture in an airtight container.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Let the leftovers cool to room temperature and transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in an airtight container, and store them for up to 3 months.
Keto chicken recipe served on a plate.

Reheating best practices

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover them with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until heated.
  • Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil or butter, and add the leftovers. Then cook for 5-7 minutes, occasionally flipping until heated through.
  • Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Note: Add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Lemon pepper chicken recipe.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken is a zesty one-pan skillet wonder that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients, this dish offers both flavor and comfort, making it an excellent dinner option. Experience the creamy delight of lemon chicken in a single dish.

Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and let them enjoy this culinary delight as well.

Lemon pepper chicken served on a plate.

Frequently asked questions

Chicken can become dry if it is overcooked. To avoid this, make sure to cook the chicken sparingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C).

To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a bit longer to allow it to reduce and naturally thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of Xanthan gum and gradually add it to the sauce while stirring until you achieve the desired thickness.

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet, ensure that the skillet is well heated and add a thin layer of oil before cooking. Non-stick skillets or well-seasoned cast iron pans can also help prevent sticking.

If the chicken is undercooked, transfer it to a preheated oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C) and continue cooking until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C).

To keep chicken breasts juicy, marinate them for at least 30 minutes before cooking to add moisture and flavor. Additionally, avoid overcooking to retain their juiciness.

πŸ“– Recipe

Keto lemon pepper chicken.

Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken

This Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a high-protein, low-carb, and flavor-packed chicken dish in a tangy lemon sauce.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto chicken, lemon chicken
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 475kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 medium chicken breasts
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Β½ teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce ingredients

  • Β½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional or to taste
  • 3- ounce butter
  • Β½ small yellow onion chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves sliced or minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Β½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • ΒΌ cup heavy cream
  • Chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish
  • Lemon slices optional for garnish

Instructions

For the chicken breasts

  • Pour the olive oil into the cast iron skillet. Make sure the heat is medium-high.
  • Once the skillet is hot enough, add the chicken breast. Now, cook each side for around 4 to 5 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165Β°F.
  • Transfer them to a plate and set them aside when cooked.

For the creamy lemon sauce

  • In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, then deglaze the pan with lemon juice and cook for a minute.
  • Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Then stir in heavy cream and let it thicken and bubble.
  • Once the sauce is thick enough, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and heat it through.
  • Spoon the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle some chopped parsley, and garnish with lemon slices.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 475 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Saturated Fat 16g100%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 207mg69%
Sodium 409mg18%
Potassium 910mg26%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 49g98%
Vitamin A 910IU18%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 52mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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