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Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe with Easy Roasted Broccoli Side

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A quick and easy crispy lemon pepper chicken paired with roasted broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe balances tangy, crunchy, and fresh flavors with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour/rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups / 300g)
  • Optional: fresh parsley or thyme, chopped for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (for spice)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound to an even thickness of about ¾ inch (2 cm).
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt; mix well.
  3. Lightly coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil; heat until hot but not smoking.
  5. Add chicken breasts without overcrowding; cook 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving.
  6. Flip chicken and cook another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. In the last minute of cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and spoon pan juices on top.
  8. Meanwhile, toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper; spread on a baking sheet.
  9. Roast broccoli at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until edges are crisp and slightly charred.
  10. Serve chicken alongside roasted broccoli; garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Notes

Patting chicken dry and pounding to even thickness is crucial for a crispy crust and even cooking. Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. Do not move chicken too soon to develop a golden crust. Roasting broccoli at high heat caramelizes edges for smoky flavor. A meat thermometer is recommended to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour. For low-carb, skip flour and coat chicken with Parmesan and lemon zest.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, crispy chicken, roasted broccoli, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-chicken-recipe-with-easy-roasted-broccoli-side/