Description
A vibrant and flavorful Red Pepper Lemon Chicken recipe featuring tender, boneless chicken breasts or thighs seared to perfection and infused with the bright zest and juice of fresh lemons, smoky paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This Mediterranean-inspired skillet dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, and gluten- and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly and evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to build a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown exterior and reach full doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Red Pepper: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it softens slightly but retains some crispness. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour the fresh lemon juice and zest into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemon and pepper mixture over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for 1–2 minutes to reheat the chicken and blend the flavors harmoniously.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.
Notes
- Serve this dish over rice, couscous, or with roasted vegetables for a full and balanced meal.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine during the deglazing step.
