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Red Pepper Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 40 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This vibrant Red Pepper Lemon Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a zesty lemon and red pepper infused sauce. Enhanced with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, it delivers a deliciously spicy and tangy flavor profile perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Finished with a buttery sauce and fresh parsley garnish, it pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome gluten-free main course.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or get a large skillet ready by heating it over medium-high heat if you prefer stovetop cooking. Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a good sear and season both sides evenly with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for 3–4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Note, the chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  3. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth into the same pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to cook for an additional 8–10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  4. Finish the Sauce: Remove the chicken breasts from the pan temporarily. Stir the butter into the lemony sauce until fully melted and incorporated. If the sauce is too thin, let it reduce slightly by simmering uncovered for a minute or two.
  5. Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the luscious sauce over the top, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Serve this chicken with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For extra color and nutrition, add sliced bell peppers or fresh spinach to the pan when simmering the chicken.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.