Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe: Bursting with Flavors
What’s for dinner tonight? If you’re asking yourself this question, I’ve got the answer: Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce. You might think making this dish is complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. And let me tell you, there is nothing better than a home-cooked meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Why not try something new and give this recipe a shot? The combination of lemon pepper seasoning and wine creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth, while the succulent chicken breasts will melt in your mouth. If you’ve never used lemon pepper seasoning before, this is the perfect recipe to try it out. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret it.
Not only is this dish satisfyingly delicious, but it’s also healthy! You’ll be amazed at how easy and affordable it is to make this gourmet meal at home. Plus, it contains ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Don’t hesitate to gather the ingredients and start cooking. In no time, you’ll have a mouth-watering plate of Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So put on your favorite apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Look no further than this Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce recipe. It’s simple to make, yet bursting with flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Firstly, the chicken is seasoned with lemon pepper seasoning, which adds just the right amount of zest to every bite. The addition of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and instant chicken bouillon granules create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that make this dish irresistible.
But it’s the lemon wine sauce that truly elevates this dish to a whole new level. Made with dry white wine, lemon juice, butter, and chicken broth, it’s tangy, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. And if you’re feeling spicy, throw in some minced red chilies and fresh ginger to take it up a notch.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can use chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preferences. And if you want to mix things up a bit, try serving it with pasta or sautéed broccoli for a complete meal.
So trust me when I say that you’ll love this Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce recipe. It’s the perfect way to bring some excitement back into your dinner routine while still keeping things easy and accessible in the kitchen.
Ingredient List
For the Lemon Pepper Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thin slices
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A combination of ground black pepper and lemon zest
- Cornflour: Used for coating the chicken
For the Lemon Wine Sauce:
- Dry White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or any other dry white wine you like
- Water: For thinning out the sauce
- Chicken Broth/Instant Chicken Bouillon Granules: Adds flavor to the sauce
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy taste to the sauce
- Lemon Rind/Zest: The outer layer of lemon peel adds a citrusy aroma to the sauce
- Red Chilies/Fresh Ginger/Minced Garlic: For additional flavor and spice
- Brown Sugar/Honey: Sweetens the sauce
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory taste to the sauce
- Olive Oil/Butter: Used for cooking the chicken and making the sauce thicker
Feel free to adjust the quantities of these ingredients according to your liking.
The Recipe How-To
Preparation:
First, prepare the chicken by pounding it with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness.
Next, season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning and a pinch of salt.
1. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until hot but not smoking.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
2. Prepare the Lemon Wine Sauce:
In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
Add minced garlic, red chilies, and grated ginger and sauté briefly.
Pour in dry white wine, stirring constantly, until the wine has reduced by half.
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and finely grated lemon rind to the skillet.
Whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornflour mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to thicken the sauce.
To finish off the sauce, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of butter until melted and smooth.
3. Serve:
Spoon some of the lemon wine sauce over each chicken breast and serve immediately with sides like roasted veggies or steamed broccoli. Alternatively, slice up the chicken breasts and toss them through linguine or fettuccine for a delicious pasta dinner.
Substitutions and Variations
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to meet your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
1. Protein: If you don’t have chicken breasts or prefer a different type of meat, such as chicken thighs or beef slices, they will work just as well. You can also substitute the protein with tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Spiciness: If you don’t like spicy food, you can skip the red chilies in the recipe. On the other hand, if you want more heat, you can add more chilies or sprinkle some cayenne pepper.
3. Lemon flavor: Want more of a lemon kick? Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice and add some extra lemon rind to both the chicken and sauce.
4. Wine: The dry white wine is a crucial ingredient in this dish. However, if you don’t have any available or prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable stock.
5. Garlic: For those who aren’t fans of garlic, feel free to skip it in the recipe or cut down on the amount used.
6. Vegetables: While broccoli is a great side dish for this recipe, you can switch it up with other vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or cauliflower.
7. Pasta: Serve this dish over pasta instead of broccoli for an easy and tasty meal.
8. Creamy variation: To make a creamy sauce out of the lemon wine sauce, add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the pan after adding the wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before serving.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create your own version of this delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce recipe that suits your taste buds perfectly!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this lemon pepper chicken with lemon wine sauce, I recommend plating the chicken on a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The starchiness of these sides helps to balance out the acidity and zingy flavors of the lemon wine sauce.
For a vegetable side, opt for something light and refreshing like roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed green beans. These veggies will complement the lemon pepper seasoning and provide a nice crunch to your meal.
Now let’s talk pairing. This dish pairs perfectly with crisp, dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. The bright acidity of the lemon in the dish complements these wines beautifully.
If you prefer red wine, go for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Merlot. The mellow tannins of these wines won’t overwhelm the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, a refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon can do wonders to cool down any spicy elements in the dish.
Enjoy this mouthwatering lemon pepper chicken with lemon wine sauce with friends and family at your next dinner gathering!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests. To make ahead, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce as directed in the recipe. Place both in separate airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For a quick reheat, use a microwave oven, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
The lemon wine sauce can be reheated on medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until it is warmed through. If it has thickened too much while being stored, add small amounts of water or chicken broth while whisking until it reaches its desired consistency.
If you have leftovers after serving, store them in separate airtight containers and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. The chicken reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven and the sauce will remain tasty for several days when stored properly.
This recipe is also versatile, as it goes well with various side dishes like pasta or steamed vegetables. Pairing this dish with a sauvignon blanc white wine gives an excellent match allowing you to conveniently reuse the white wine ingredient – this is if you have any left.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce Recipe turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips to follow.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
When it comes to the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, and lemon juice, always try to use fresh ingredients. It will make a significant difference in the taste of the final product.
2. Cook Chicken to the Right Temperature
One of the key points to ensuring perfect results is to cook the chicken to the right temperature. Using a meat thermometer is an excellent way to check if your chicken has cooked through.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Overcooking your chicken can result in tough and dry meat. To prevent this, keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the appropriate temperature.
4. Whisk the Sauce Continuously
When preparing the sauce, make sure you whisk continuously while cooking it. It will ensure that you don’t end up with lumps in your sauce and that it has a smooth consistency throughout.
5. Adjust Salt and Pepper Seasoning
As you taste test your finished recipe, make sure you adjust salt and pepper seasoning accordingly.
By following these tips, your Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce Recipe is sure to turn out perfectly every time!
FAQ
Now let’s move on to the FAQ section, where we will answer some of the most common questions regarding making this delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Wine Sauce Recipe.
What wine goes best with lemon chicken?
Lemon Chicken is best enjoyed with white wines that have a neutral taste. Pinot Grigio, Godello, and Albariño are perfect examples of such wines. Additionally, a Chardonnay that has hints of apple and pear flavors is also an excellent option to complement the taste of Lemon Chicken.
Does lemon and white wine go together?
During the warm months of the year, Lemon Lime Wine Spritzer can satisfy your thirst with its zesty and sparkling aroma. This invigorating concoction integrates white wine with a burst of citrus, making it a perfect refreshment to savor with friends and family. And the best part? It’s simple to put together, making it an ideal beverage for any get-together.
What is lemon chicken sauce made of?
Looking for a sauce that enhances the flavor of different dishes? Try this easy-to-make creamy sauce. It involves mixing cream of chicken soup with lemon juice, garlic, and spices, resulting in a savory taste that complements rice, pasta, chicken, or veggies. If you want to add an extra touch, you can sprinkle a teaspoon or more of Italian seasoning or basil.
What is a good white wine to cook chicken in?
When searching for a wine to use in cooking, it’s helpful to have a reliable choice. Two excellent options to consider are sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Sauvignon blanc is known for its sharpness and acidity, while chardonnay is typically more robust and full-bodied. However, when these wines are utilized as ingredients, their unique flavors are not as noticeable.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lemon pepper chicken with lemon wine sauce recipe is an absolute must-try for any food lover. The blend of the lemon, garlic, and white wine create a heavenly taste that’s both tangy and savory. Plus, the juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection make this a recipe to remember.
My biggest tip for the perfect result is to pay attention to all the steps in the recipe – which includes using fresh ingredients and stirring while cooking. Also, feel free to substitute some ingredients or add variations to suit your taste.
Finally, when it comes to serving and pairing, I suggest pairing this dish with some roasted vegetables or quinoa salad giving it a fresher taste. Furthermore, I highly recommend pairing it with a light-bodied wine such as sauvignon blanc or any other dry white wine with citrusy notes.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those chicken breasts and Let’s get cooking! Trust me; your family and friends will thank you. You’ll never look at chicken dinner the same way again!
Lemon Pepper Chicken With Lemon Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 -4 chicken breasts (I make the sauce below for three of us but it would stretch to 4 we like things more saucy)
- lemon pepper seasoning
Sauce
- olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped (add as few or as many seeds as you like.)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 100 ml lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 -2 tablespoon brown sugar (depending on personal taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 -3 teaspoons cornflour
Instructions
- Heat some olive oil in a pan, sprinkle both sides of chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning, add to pan, cook both sides until browned and cooked through, approx 20-25 Min's.
- Sauce.
- While chicken is cooking make sauce.
- Heat some olive oil in a saucepan, add ginger, chilies and rind, saute for 1 minute.
- Add water, wine, lemon juice, stock granules, honey and sugar, stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add soy, mix a little water with the cornflour add to sauce, stir until mixture boils and thickens.
- To Serve: Slice chicken breasts and serve over rice or couscous or with veg and pour sauce over.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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