Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts Recipe from USA - Ingredients Listed
Introduction
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of tangy lemon juice and zesty lemon pepper seasoning gives the chicken a bright and refreshing flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
The origins of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. Lemon pepper seasoning, which is a blend of lemon zest and cracked black pepper, has been a popular seasoning for chicken dishes for many years. The addition of reconstituted lemon juice adds an extra burst of citrus flavor to the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- reconstituted lemon juice, to taste
- lemon pepper, to taste
How to prepare
- Use a large microwave-safe platter
- Wash the chicken breasts
- Spread lemon concentrate on the bottom of the platter
- Place the chicken breasts on the platter
- Drizzle additional lemon juice over the chicken breasts as desired
- Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning over the chicken breasts
- Cover the platter with waxed paper
- Set the microwave to "roast" setting
- Microwave the chicken for 8 minutes or until cooked through, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the breasts
Variations
- Try using fresh lemon zest instead of reconstituted lemon juice for a more intense citrus flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use a microwave-safe platter when cooking the chicken breasts in the microwave.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts to ensure they are cooked through.
- Feel free to customize the amount of lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe uses the microwave to quickly and easily cook the chicken breasts, but you can also grill or bake them if desired.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have lemon pepper seasoning, you can use a combination of lemon zest and black pepper as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the chicken breasts in the lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning for up to 24 hours before cooking for even more flavor.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts with fresh parsley or a slice of lemon for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts with a side of rice pilaf and a glass of crisp white wine for a delicious meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts contains approximately 2 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and niacin.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are a low-carb, high-protein dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Summary
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her cozy little cottage by the lake. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma of lemon and pepper wafting from the kitchen.
Martha was bustling around, gathering ingredients and humming a tune as she prepared dinner. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making that smelled so heavenly. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a worn and stained index card with the recipe for Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts written in her elegant cursive.
She explained that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her. It was a family favorite, perfect for warm summer evenings when the zesty citrus and spicy pepper flavors paired perfectly with a crisp salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
I was intrigued and asked if she would show me how to make it. With a smile, Martha handed me an apron and a sharp knife, and we set to work together in the kitchen. She guided me through each step, from marinating the chicken in a mixture of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and cracked black pepper to searing it to golden perfection in a hot skillet.
As we cooked, Martha shared stories of her grandmother and the memories they had shared in the kitchen. She spoke of lazy Sunday afternoons spent baking cookies and simmering pots of soup, of laughter and love passed down through generations in the form of cherished recipes.
By the time the chicken was done and we sat down to enjoy our meal, I felt as though I had been initiated into a sacred tradition of culinary wisdom and familial love. The Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts were tender and juicy, with just the right amount of tangy citrus and fiery spice to awaken the taste buds.
From that day on, Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet dinners at home. Each time I prepared it, I felt a connection to Martha and her grandmother, to the rich tapestry of stories and flavors that had been woven into this simple yet extraordinary dish.
Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding a touch of garlic here, a sprinkle of fresh herbs there. But the essence of the dish remains true to its origins, a testament to the power of food to nourish not just the body, but the soul.
As I grow older, I find myself passing down the recipe for Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts to my own grandchildren. I teach them the importance of cooking with love and intention, of savoring each bite and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
And so, the legacy continues, as the flavors of lemon and pepper dance on the taste buds of future generations, carrying with them the stories and traditions of those who came before. In this way, a simple recipe becomes a link in the chain of love that binds us together, one delicious meal at a time.