Description
This Red Pepper Lemon Chicken is a vibrant, healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a zesty lemon and red bell pepper sauce. Enhanced with garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, this quick stovetop recipe delivers bright and fresh flavors perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Peppers and Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the sliced red bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the pepper softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Add Flavorings and Simmer: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes if using, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemony sauce over them. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and add lemon slices if desired. Serve hot alongside your choice of rice, potatoes, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce to deepen the flavor profile.
- This dish pairs excellently with couscous or orzo as alternatives to rice or potatoes.
