Cheese Pairings For Lemon Pepper Chicken: The Best Matches

Lemon pepper chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to enhance its flavour. The type of cheese you choose depends on your taste preferences and the specific flavour profile you want to achieve.

For those who enjoy a mild and buttery taste, cheeses like Brie and Camembert are excellent choices. These cheeses add a subtle creaminess that complements the zesty lemon pepper seasoning without overwhelming it.

On the other hand, if you prefer sharper and saltier options, cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan can provide a pungent and tangy contrast to the chicken. These cheeses also work well when sprinkled on top of the chicken before or after cooking.

Additionally, consider trying feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella. Feta adds a salty and tangy flavour, while goat cheese has a spreadable texture that pairs well with the chicken. Mozzarella, a classic choice, melts beautifully and adds a stringy, creamy texture.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on your taste preferences and the specific flavour notes you want to highlight in your lemon pepper chicken dish.

Lemon pepper chicken with creamy garlic lemon sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately)
• 1-2 teaspoons (5 ml) lemon pepper seasoning, or to taste
• (optional) pinch of paprika and/or ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk or cream, depending on how rich you want the sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) mustard (dijon, yellow, spicy brown, etc.)
• Zest of 1 medium lemon
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Black pepper, to taste (preferably fresh cracked pepper)
• Optional garnish, 3 tablespoons minced parsley

Method

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Pat dry the chicken breasts and cut them lengthwise if they are too thick. Season all sides of the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning. (Optionally, you can also season with a sprinkle of paprika and ground cumin.)

Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the chicken and sear both sides until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

After the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the milk or cream, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk the sauce to completely combine and then season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and return the chicken breasts to the skillet.

Place the skillet in the oven and bake the chicken for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

After the chicken is cooked through, garnish with optional parsley. Serve the chicken with the lemon sauce over rice, pasta, or noodles.

Cheese Pairing Suggestions

Lemon pepper chicken pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. For a sharper flavour, try using Parmesan or gouda. If you prefer a milder cheese, brie or Camembert would be a good choice. These cheeses can add a creamy texture and balance out the spiciness of the lemon pepper seasoning.

What cheeses go with lemon pepper chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is a zesty and tangy dish that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Here are some options to consider:

Mild Cheeses

If you prefer a milder flavour profile, cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Chevre are excellent choices. These cheeses have buttery and creamy notes that complement the zesty lemon pepper chicken without overwhelming its flavour. Consider serving these cheeses with a side of roasted potatoes, green beans, or a simple green salad.

Sharper Cheeses

For those who enjoy a sharper, more pungent cheese, Parmesan, Gouda, and Cheddar are ideal. Parmesan, in particular, adds a fruity and nutty taste to the dish. Gouda brings out the sweetness of the chicken. These cheeses can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Salty Cheeses

If you're looking for a saltier option, Feta and Roquefort cheese are great choices. Feta adds a tangy and salty flavour to the dish, while Roquefort has a strong flavour that can be balanced with crackers or a side of bread. These cheeses can be paired with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Creamy Cheeses

Creamy cheeses like Mozzarella and goat cheese also pair well with lemon pepper chicken. Mozzarella can be used in the creamy garlic lemon sauce that often accompanies this dish. Goat cheese has a spreadable texture and a tart flavour that complements the chicken. These cheeses can be served with roasted potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.

Other Cheeses

Other cheeses that can be considered include Swiss cheese, which has a subtle sweetness, and Ricotta, which adds a nice creaminess to the dish.

When pairing cheese with lemon pepper chicken, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The right cheese can enhance the dish, making it more interesting and complex. These suggestions provide a range of options to suit different taste preferences.

How to make lemon pepper chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 Tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Method:

• Use a sharp knife to carefully fillet the chicken breasts into two thinner pieces (or use thin-cut chicken breasts).
• Combine the flour and lemon pepper seasoning in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the chicken pieces and rub it in until the chicken is fully coated.
• Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet and oil are very hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken and cover to keep warm.
• Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute.
• Add the chicken broth to the skillet and whisk to dissolve all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the lemon juice and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
• Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to heat through. Season with freshly cracked pepper and fresh chopped parsley (optional), then serve.

Tips:

• If you want to make a more substantial meal, serve the chicken and cheese topped with a simple salad or some oven-roasted potatoes.
• You can also add some roasted peppers, sweet potatoes, or steamed broccoli on the side.
• Lemon pepper chicken pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Lemon pepper chicken sides

Lemon pepper chicken is a zesty, tangy, and slightly spicy dish. It is often served with a creamy sauce and is a great option for those looking for a light and refreshing meal.

There are many sides that go well with lemon pepper chicken. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted Greek potatoes – These potatoes are roasted in a lemony broth, infusing them with a bright, savory flavor. They make a great complement to the zesty notes in the chicken.
• Rice pilaf – A mixture of wild and brown rice with additions like mushrooms, peas, and pecans creates a satisfying and nourishing meal. The earthiness of the wild rice won't overpower the chicken's zesty flavors.
• Spanish rice with chickpeas – The smoked paprika in this dish gives it a gorgeous orange hue and a lovely smokiness that contrasts well with the zesty lemon pepper chicken. The chickpeas add a nice crunch and extra protein.
• Mashed sweet potatoes – This creamy mash is made with roasted sweet potatoes, giving it a deeper and more robust flavor. You can add savory elements like fresh thyme, rosemary, or parmesan cheese to offset the sweetness.
• Garlic bread – This classic side is super easy to make and only requires a few pantry staples. The crunchy texture of the garlic bread is an excellent contrast to the tender chicken.
• Creamy polenta – This comforting and creamy side dish is made with just a few simple ingredients. It's a versatile dish that can be cooked with chicken broth or kept vegetarian with vegetable stock.
• Sauteed or roasted vegetables – A simple side of sauteed or roasted vegetables is always a good option. Try collard greens, honey garlic butter roasted carrots, or a mix of roasted root vegetables.
• Parmesan roasted broccoli – The edges of the broccoli become crispy and caramelized in the oven, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor.
• Cheesy roasted green beans – With just a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper, and a little oven magic, you can turn boring old green beans into something fabulous! Top with mozzarella cheese and broil until melted for extra creaminess.
• Salads – A classic Caesar salad or any leafy salad is always a good option. For something heartier, try a Mediterranean orzo salad or an asparagus pasta salad.

Lemon pepper chicken recipes

Lemon pepper chicken is a simple, tasty, and versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It's a great option for those looking for something light and refreshing, and it can be made more interesting and complex by adding cheese. Here are some delicious lemon pepper chicken recipes to try:

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Cream Sauce

This recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a skillet with lemon pepper seasonings and served with a creamy lemon sauce. The sauce includes butter, garlic, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. The chicken is served with the sauce over rice, pasta, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic-Lemon Sauce

This recipe uses skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs coated with lemon pepper seasoning and flour, then pan-seared and baked in the oven. The creamy garlic-lemon sauce is made with garlic, chicken stock, heavy cream, lemon pepper seasoning, and shredded Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese. The chicken is served with the sauce and can be accompanied by greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, or kale, or sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf.

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

This recipe is perfect for those on a budget, costing under $10 to make. It uses boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin pieces, coated with a mixture of flour and lemon pepper seasoning, and cooked in a skillet. The pan sauce includes butter, garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and optional fresh parsley. This dish can be served with sautéed vegetables, roasted broccoli, lemon garlic roasted asparagus, or spinach rice with feta.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Butter Sauce

This quick and easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to make. It uses thin-cut boneless skinless chicken breasts coated with a mixture of flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt, then cooked in a skillet. The butter sauce is made with butter and lemon juice, and the chicken is served with a garnish of parsley and lemon slices. This dish goes well with mashed red potatoes, rice pilaf, angel hair pasta, or vegetables like sautéed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or green beans almondine.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Cheese

Lemon pepper chicken can be paired with various cheeses to add flavor and richness. Some recommended cheeses include mild options like Brie and Camembert, sharper choices like Gouda and Cheddar, or salty and tangy varieties like Feta and goat cheese. The chicken can be served with a simple salad or oven-roasted potatoes, and the addition of herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the dish.

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