Our new favorite weeknight meal is this Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies! This dish is made in one pan and is full of bright, bold flavors that everyone loves!.
Lemon chicken is a refreshing dish that combines tender bites of chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon. Boneless chicken breasts are marinated in lemon juice and flavorful seasonings, then cooked to perfection. My variation of lemon chicken includes fresh cauliflower and broccoli which balances well with the savory and succulent chicken.
The dish can be served as a complete meal since it includes protein and vegetables. Alternatively, it pairs well alongside a variety of side dishes such as rice, zoodles, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Overall, this lemon chicken is a versatile and tasty dish that brings out the bright flavor of lemons while bringing out the tender and juicy parts of chicken. You will love how quick, easy, and refreshing this dish is!.
Lemon pepper chicken is a flavorful and refreshing main dish that goes great with a variety of side dishes The zesty, peppery chicken can be balanced with lighter sides or complemented with richer, more robust flavors I’ve compiled this list of my top 18 side dish recommendations so you can take your lemon pepper chicken dinner to the next level.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Pepper Chicken
Here are some of my favorite sides to pair with lemon pepper chicken:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and a perfect pairing for lemon pepper chicken. The bold chicken flavor is nicely balanced out by mellow, buttery potatoes. For extra flavor, mix in roasted garlic or top with snipped chives.
2. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, infused with spices and broth, provides a subtly flavored base to highlight the zesty chicken. Opt for lemon pilaf for an extra burst of citrus. Herby pilafs also pair nicely.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Lemon pepper chicken goes well with roasted Brussels sprouts that have been caramelized and made crispy. Their nutty flavor stands up well to the strong seasonings. Mix sprouts with a lemony vinaigrette before roasting to make the flavors go better together.
4. Steamed Broccoli
It’s easy and healthy to serve broccoli with lemon pepper chicken. Just steam it and squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top. The mild broccoli lets the chicken shine while adding freshness.
5. Garlic Bread
When served with lemon pepper chicken, warm, crusty garlic bread is impossible to resist. The garlicky taste and rich butteriness go well with the sour chicken.
6. Mac and Cheese
Comforting, cheesy macaroni and cheese nicely complements the bold, peppery chicken. The rich creaminess balances the tart lemon notes.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Lemon pepper chicken goes well with sweet potato slices that have been roasted until they are soft and caramelized. Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
8. Green Beans Almondine
Nutty almondine green beans sautéed in lemon butter are an elegant side for lemon pepper chicken. The crunchy beans and tart lemon dressing pair wonderfully.
9. Mediterranean Salad
A fresh medley of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta over crisp greens is light and refreshing with lemon chicken. Tangy vinaigrettes match nicely.
10. Quinoa Pilaf
Fluffy quinoa tossed with sauteed vegetables makes a well-balanced, flavorful side for lemon pepper chicken. Quinoa’s mild flavor lets the chicken shine.
11. Sauteed Zucchini
Sauteed zucchini rounds or spirals seasoned with lemon pepper pair perfectly with the chicken. The vegetables mirror the flavors in the main dish.
12. Corn on the Cob
Juicy grilled corn on the cob slathered with a lemony-garlicky butter is amazing with lemon pepper chicken. The charred corn kernels pop with fresh flavor.
13. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad with crunchy veggies in a lemony dressing is a great light side for lemon chicken. Rotini or bowties work well and hold the dressing.
14. Steak Fries
Crispy oven-baked steak fries are a tasty indulgence with lemon chicken. Fry them up plain, parmesan, or seasoned for a hearty side.
15. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw with a zesty dressing is a classic pairing for lemon pepper chicken. The crunchy texture adds contrast to the tender chicken.
16. Asparagus
Quick roasted or grilled asparagus spears are a fresh, flavorful side for lemony chicken. Toss in olive oil and lemon juice before cooking for extra flavor.
17. Polenta
Creamy, mellow polenta is a nice neutral base for topping zesty lemon pepper chicken and pan sauces. Parmesan polenta is extra delicious.
18. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls for mopping up pan sauces and juices are a must with lemon chicken. Brush rolls with garlic butter before serving.
Tips for Serving Lemon Pepper Chicken and Sides
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Look for color contrast between the chicken and sides. Steamed broccoli or lemony pasta salad nicely pop against the golden chicken.
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Seek a mix of textures. Crispy Brussels sprouts or tender mac and cheese contrast nicely with juicy, tender chicken.
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Balance flavors. Bright sides like salads and roasted veggies cut the richness of the chicken. Hearty starches like mashed potatoes provide comfort.
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Add a pop of lemon. Squeeze fresh lemon over steamed veggies, add lemon zest to grains, or use lemon vinaigrettes on salads to echo the chicken.
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Keep the menu balanced. Include lighter and heavier sides like a salad paired with cheesy potatoes or bread.
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Let the chicken seasoning shine by keeping sides simple. Don’t overcomplicate flavors.
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Make the chicken the star. Sides should complement without overpowering. Simple preparations keep the focus on the chicken.
With so many easy and delicious side dishes to choose from, it’s fun to experiment with different flavor and texture pairings for lemon pepper chicken. Bright vegetables, zesty salads, hearty starches, and warm breads all complement this bold entrée beautifully. Use my recommendations as a starting point and have fun developing your own perfect chicken dinner menu!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken
This recipe is super easy to make, but it does have a few different steps. There is marinating and browning the chicken, then seasoning and cooking the vegetables, then adding everything together. To make this super easy to follow I’ve documented the entire process so you can see each step. To make this chicken and broccoli you will need to follow the steps below:
Cut the chicken into small bite sized 1 inch cubes. Add the chicken to a bowl with part of the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. Mix everything together & let sit for 15 minutes to marinade. You want to be sure those spices are spread evenly over the chicken so each bite is loaded with flavor!.
Season and Cook the Vegetables
In a large bowl, toss broccoli and cauliflower with lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned broccoli & cauliflower. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 15 minutes until veggies begin to soften. Uncover and continue to cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl or plate and set aside. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Keep the now-empty pan on the stove (no need to clean it). Pour the wine into the pan and use your mixing spoon to scrape off any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. This method is called deglzing the pan. Next, add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 15-18 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and registers about 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Push the cooked chicken pieces to one side of the pan, and add the vegetables back to the other side of the pan. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low for 5 minutes, to rewarm the veggies.
Serve this chicken and vegetable dish immediately while warm. Garnish with fresh parsley and dig in! I serve this as a complete meal. But if you want to make the dish last longer, it goes well with these side dishes:
- Each Low Carb Red Lobster Biscuit has only 2 net carbs, so if you are on a keto or low carb diet, these will help you get your carb fix.
- Everyone loves a cool, crisp salad, and these flavors go so well with it.
- Cucumber Salad: This dish goes well with the chicken because it has fresh herbs and lemon.
- Cheese and pepper zoodles are a great way to make this meal healthier.
Before storing the chicken allow it to cool completely. Next, store in an airtight container up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing as the cauliflower and broccoli will have altered textures that may be unpleasant.
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 30-second increments at 50% power (which prevents the chicken from drying out). To reheat the whole dish, put it back in a skillet, cover it, and heat it on medium-low until it’s hot all the way through (stirring every so often to keep it from sticking). This dish might taste better and be more tender if you add a splash of white wine to the pan.
LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN | The Easiest 15-Minute Dinner Recipe!
FAQ
What are good sides for lemon pepper chicken?
Lemon Kale Caesar Salad, Roasted Red Pepper Salad or Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad would be lovely. Veggie loaded sides like, Grilled Zucchini Salad, Spicy Cucumber Salad, or Honey Roasted Carrots all make great sides.
What does lemon pepper go well with?
Sprinkle on fish, shrimp, chicken, pork or veggies before grilling, sautéing or roasting.
What does lemon chicken pair well with?
I’d make some roast veg – parsnips, carrots, brussels, corn, etc. It would be great to have potatoes, but I would roast or mash them instead of baking or stuffing them. Sour cream could overpower the lemon flavor in the chicken. A salad would be good, light and refreshing, even a good caesar.
What goes best with pepper chicken?
Serve – Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes or rice, steamed greens, lemon slices, an extra crack of black pepper and parsley, if using. Mar 13, 2025.