Zesty Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken Delight
Elevate your dinner table with this Zesty Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken Delight. Tender chicken infused with lemony zest and punctuated by a spicy kick from cayenne pepper creates an irresistible flavor profile. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of freshness and warmth in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or fluffy rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of lemon and pepper perfectly harmonizing with rich butter for a truly delightful experience.
2
Servings
450
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
1/2 (whole chicken, cut into pieces)
lemon pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons (freshly ground or store-bought)
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with lemon pepper seasoning and cayenne pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well integrated, creating a flavorful paste.
3
Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and seasoning it all over with salt. For optimal flavor, carefully lift the skin and rub some of the butter mixture underneath, ensuring to coat all areas of the chicken.
4
Transfer the seasoned chicken to a roasting pan or baking dish. Spoon any remaining butter mixture over the top of the chicken to enhance the flavor during cooking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6
Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy your Zesty Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken Delight with your favorite side dishes!
Nutrition Information
36g
Fat
1g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken Delight?
It is a dish featuring tender chicken infused with lemon zest, cayenne pepper, and rich butter for a vibrant and warm flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are chicken, lemon pepper seasoning, softened butter, salt, and cayenne pepper.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for approximately 50 minutes until it is golden brown.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
How do I prepare the chicken for seasoning?
You should pat the chicken dry and season it all over with salt before applying the butter mixture.
Where should the butter mixture be applied?
Rub the mixture under the skin for optimal flavor and spoon any remaining butter over the top.
What type of chicken does the recipe call for?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a whole chicken, cut into pieces.
How much lemon pepper seasoning is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning.
Can I use store-bought lemon pepper?
Yes, you can use either freshly ground or store-bought lemon pepper seasoning.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 450 calories per serving.
Is this a high-protein dish?
Yes, it contains 28g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 36g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This is a low-carb dish with only 1g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I make the butter mixture?
Combine softened butter with lemon pepper seasoning and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl until well integrated.
What should I look for to ensure the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
What type of baking dish should I use?
A roasting pan or a standard baking dish is suitable for this recipe.
Is this recipe good for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for weeknight meals.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice.
What flavor does the lemon zest add?
The lemon zest provides a burst of freshness and a vibrant citrus flavor.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of softened butter.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fiber.
What makes the chicken 'zesty'?
The combination of lemon pepper seasoning and lemon zest provides the zesty flavor profile.
How much salt should I add?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It has a spicy kick due to the cayenne pepper, but you can control the level of heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 5 total ingredients required for this dish.
Can this be served at special occasions?
Yes, the description notes it is a crowd-pleaser suitable for both weeknights and special occasions.