Description
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Red Pepper Lemon Chicken is a vibrant, tangy, and flavorful dish that combines the zesty kick of red pepper with the refreshing brightness of lemon. The chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of spices and citrus, then seared and cooked to perfection. This dish is great served with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients
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For the Chicken Marinade:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to desired heat level)
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2 teaspoons smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
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Prepare the marinade:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. -
Marinate the chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. -
Cook the chicken:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If necessary, reduce heat to medium-low to avoid burning the spices. -
Rest and serve:
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and ensures tender chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with your favorite side dish like rice, quinoa, or a salad.
Notes
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For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some cayenne pepper to the marinade.
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You can also grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
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If you’re using chicken thighs instead of breasts, adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing, Grilling (optional)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 230 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg