Lemon Pepper Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 16 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs, see note 1
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Steamed greens
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl and marinate with soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, garlic, cornstarch, and black pepper for 15 minutes.
- Heat a pan with a little oil and sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest briefly.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips and serve over a fresh bowl of rice. Optionally add steamed greens and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Is Surprisingly Easy To Make
If you’re tired of complicated dinners after a long day at work, this Lemon Pepper Chicken hits the sweet spot. It’s packed with flavor thanks to the lemon juice, garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper, but it all comes together with one quick marinade and a super fast pan sear. I like to use this method as opposed to my usual air frying method because pan-frying gets crispy edges and juicy chicken thanks to the cornstarch in the marinade. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or your roommates, this recipe is actually tasty with minimal cleanup. In my opinion, it’s these kinds of dishes that makes weeknight cooking feel a little less troublesome.
Why Lemon Pepper Chicken Is The Perfect After-Work Dinner
I made this recipe to actually be made super quickly. You can marinate your chicken during a 15-minute doom scroll session or while the rice cooks (I’m guilty of not prepping rice ahead of time!). This recipe requires no oven, no long ingredient list, just one bowl, one pan, and ingredients you probably already have laying around! The soy sauce adds that classic salty flavor, the lemon brightens everything, and the cornstarch gives the chicken that crispy, glossy finish without any deep frying. Toss in some steamed greens, sprinkle on sesame seeds, and you’ve got a balanced bowl that feels clean and completely doable after work.
What You’ll Need To Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
Chicken & Marinade
- 16 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Steamed greens
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken thighs with soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, garlic, cornstarch, and black pepper and marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and let rest briefly.
Slice the chicken into thin strips and serve over fresh rice.
Garnish with steamed greens and sesame seeds.
Tips and Variations
• Add 1 tsp of honey to the marinade for a hint of sweetness! Some people find that it needs a little bit of sweetness, but through my taste testing, I personally prefer it without it!
• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version!
• Add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan after searing and add a couple tablespoons of heavy cream to create a super tasty sauce.
• If you want even more flavor, crack fresh pepper on top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor, but bottled works as well, just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice, not concentrate.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats well and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
What other proteins can I use?
This marinade works with chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust cook time as some chicken breasts are super thick and need to cook for at least 7 minutes a side.
Can I cook this in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is there a sauce?
The cornstarch helps create a light glaze that coats the chicken. For extra sauce, double the marinade and reduce in the pan after cooking and add 2 tbsp of heavy cream.
Try These Next
Looking for another meal to make after work? Try my Soy Garlic Glazed Chicken.
Want some noodles intead? My Gochujang Peanut Noodles or Garlic Butter Noodles are 10-minute wonders.
If you want something similar, my Honey Lemon Chicken is unbelievably good!
