Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets Recipe: A Flavor Burst

Sizzling and golden, these lemon pepper chicken cutlets dance with zesty, tangy flavors that instantly awaken your taste buds.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement right to your dinner table.

The bright citrus notes perfectly complement the robust black pepper warmth, creating a harmonious blend of simple yet sophisticated ingredients.

Each cutlet promises a delightful crunch that seals in maximum juiciness and flavor.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous weekend meals.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of seasonings and a quick, strategic cooking technique.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform an ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Cooking Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Preparation

Carefully slice chicken breast horizontally into delicate, thin cutlets using a sharp kitchen knife and steady hand.

• Seasoning Magic

Blend lemon pepper seasoning with a pinch of salt, generously coating each chicken cutlet for maximum flavor excitement.

• Golden Sizzle

Heat skillet with oil and butter, creating a perfect golden landscape for your chicken. Cook each side until beautifully bronzed and tender.

• Bright Sauce Finale

Quickly transform the skillet into a flavor hub by adding garlic, chicken stock, and fresh lemon juice. Allow sauce to simmer and develop a luxurious, tangy personality that will elevate your chicken to restaurant-quality deliciousness.

Enhancing the Flavor of Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Use a sharp chef's knife and steady hand to create even cutlets, ensuring uniform cooking and professional-looking results.
• Adjust lemon pepper seasoning to personal taste by adding more or less, tailoring the flavor intensity for different palates.
• Swap flour dredging with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch and interesting texture in your chicken cutlets.
• Cook extra cutlets and store in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinner upgrades throughout the week, perfect for busy schedules.

Serving Lemon Pepper Chicken at Its Best

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice chicken cutlets and arrange artfully on a large platter with fresh herb garnish, creating an elegant centerpiece that wows guests.
• Zesty Sandwich Makeover: Layer cutlets between toasted ciabatta bread with crisp lettuce, tomato slices, and a drizzle of the lemon pepper sauce for a gourmet lunch option.
• Salad Star Topping: Slice chicken into strips and place atop mixed greens, adding cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light drizzle of the pan sauce for a refreshing meal transformation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cool chicken completely, slice, and store in airtight containers with sauce on the side for quick, flavorful protein ready to enhance lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Preserving Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets

• Quick Meal Prep: Slice chicken breasts ahead of time and store in portioned containers for fast weeknight dinners. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator Storage Solution: Keep cooked chicken cutlets in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Place cooled chicken cutlets in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. These tasty cutlets stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed cutlets in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying. Low-medium heat works best for maintaining tender texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for tender results.

• Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Salt: Vibrant blend that delivers zesty kick and enhances chicken's natural flavor, select high-quality, freshly ground mix for maximum taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy, golden exterior that locks in chicken's moisture and provides delightful texture.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Adds rich, luxurious flavor and ensures perfect golden-brown sear, use unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses deep, savory undertones into the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Builds depth and complexity in sauce, opt for low-sodium versions to manage overall saltiness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens dish with tangy freshness, use freshly squeezed for most vibrant flavor profile.

Kitchen Needs for Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Sharp knife: Key for slicing chicken breast into thin, even cutlets.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for safely preparing chicken.
• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for perfectly golden pan-frying.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tool for portioning lemon pepper seasoning and salt.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Used for dredging chicken in seasoned flour mixture.
• Whisk: Great for combining and stirring sauce ingredients smoothly.

Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy lemon pepper chicken cutlets offer a zesty Mediterranean-inspired main dish with tangy notes. Juicy chicken breasts coated in herbed breadcrumbs deliver bold flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 to 1.75 lbs (680 to 794 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 1.5 tbsps lemon pepper seasoning
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken stock
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1.5 tbsps (22 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ cup (15 g) Italian parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally on a clean cutting board to create uniformly thin cutlets, ensuring quick and even cooking.
2. Coating: Mix lemon pepper seasoning with flour, thoroughly dredging each chicken piece to develop a robust, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
3. Searing: Heat a heavy skillet with oil and butter, creating an optimal cooking surface for achieving a golden-brown crust while preserving the chicken’s tenderness.
4. Cooking: Place seasoned cutlets in the hot skillet, cooking each side until a rich amber color develops and the meat reaches complete doneness, roughly 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Remove excess fat from the skillet, then introduce minced garlic to release its aromatic essence and build depth of flavor.
6. Sauce Creation: Deglaze the pan with chicken stock and fresh lemon juice, reducing the liquid to develop a vibrant, tangy sauce that elevates the crispy chicken.
7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle additional lemon pepper seasoning over the cutlets, intensifying the zesty profile and creating a harmonious, well-balanced flavor experience.

Notes

• Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife and steady hand to create even, thin cutlets for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Dredging Technique: Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, adherent coating that guarantees maximum crispiness and flavor absorption.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, ensuring chicken remains juicy and evenly cooked.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Reduce deglazing liquid just until it becomes slightly thickened and glossy, concentrating the vibrant lemon and garlic flavors for a restaurant-quality finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg