Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon Pepper Chicken: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Dish

Chicken is a versatile and delicious protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the most popular and flavorful ways to prepare chicken is by seasoning it with lemon pepper. Lemon pepper chicken is a tangy and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the history and origin of lemon pepper chicken, as well as some tips on how to prepare it at home.

The History of Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is a relatively modern dish, with its origins dating back to the early 1970s. The dish was first introduced in the United States by a California-based restaurant chain called Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. The dish quickly became popular among diners, and soon other restaurants started serving it as well.

The seasoning used in lemon pepper chicken is a combination of lemon zest and black pepper, which gives the dish its distinct tangy and spicy flavor. Lemon pepper seasoning was first introduced in the 1940s, when McCormick & Company, a spice company based in Baltimore, Maryland, began selling it in grocery stores. The seasoning was initially used to flavor fish and seafood, but it soon became popular for use in chicken dishes as well.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is a simple and easy dish to prepare, and it can be made using a variety of cooking methods, such as grilling, baking, or frying. Here is a basic recipe for lemon pepper chicken that can be easily modified to suit your taste preferences:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breastsboneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 lemon, sliced
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with the lemon pepper seasoning and salt, making sure to coat both sides of the chicken.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and place a slice of lemon on top of each breast.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve.

Variations on the Recipe

There are many ways to customize the recipe for lemon pepper chicken to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations on the recipe that you can try:

Lemon Garlic Pepper Chicken: Add minced garlic to the olive oil in the skillet before cooking the chicken to give the dish an extra burst of flavor.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil for at least an hour before grilling for a more tender and flavorful dish.
Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet after cooking the chicken for a rich and creamy sauce.

Health Benefits of Lemon Pepper Chicken

Chicken is a lean protein that is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Lemon pepper seasoning is also a healthy choice, as it is low in calories and sodium, and contains antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health. Here are some of the health benefits of lemon pepper chicken: