If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, the Lemon Pepper Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe pairs juicy, tender chicken seasoned perfectly with lemon pepper and garlic powder, then elevates it with the irresistible combination of smoky, crispy bacon and rich, melty cheddar cheese. It’s a delightful mix of tangy, savory, and cheesy goodness that’s quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish delivers on taste and satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients—just a handful of essentials that work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color making each bite truly memorable.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken cutlets: These cook quickly and stay juicy, forming the perfect base for the dish.
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Pepper seasoning: This seasoning adds a zesty kick and just the right amount of spice to enhance the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A simple addition that brings aromatic depth and warmth.
- 8 pieces thick sliced bacon: Provides that irresistible crispy, smoky crunch that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
- 4 cheddar cheese slices: Adds creamy, melty richness that binds the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A garnish that adds a bright and fresh note to finish the plate.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Perfection
Start by taking your thick sliced bacon and cooking it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the bacon to cook slowly until it reaches that golden-brown, crispy stage. Removing the bacon while reserving two tablespoons of the flavorful bacon grease in the skillet is key because that grease will lock in incredible smoky flavor when you cook the chicken next.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your chicken cutlets and evenly sprinkle each side with the lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder. This simple but vibrant seasoning combination ensures the chicken will pop with flavor. The lemon pepper introduces a refreshing citrusy note, while the garlic powder deepens the savory dimension.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken in Bacon Grease
Keep the skillet on medium-high heat and add the chicken cutlets to the retained bacon grease. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. Cooking chicken in bacon grease not only adds moisture but also imbues each bite with smoky goodness you won’t get otherwise.
Step 4: Add Bacon and Melt Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, layer the crispy bacon right on top of each cutlet. Then, place a slice of cheddar cheese over the bacon. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it cook for a minute or two until the cheese melts gently into a gooey, sumptuous topping.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. This touch not only adds a vibrant burst of color but a subtle fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the fresh parsley, consider adding thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of lemon juice to brighten the plate further. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also lift the dish’s natural peppery essence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette that echoes the lemon notes in the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up every bit of the melted cheese and bacon flavor. Alternatively, use the chicken as a protein topping for flatbreads or wraps, adding fresh veggies for extra crunch and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, wrap the chicken cutlets individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, they can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300ºF until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the cheese and bacon lose their texture and the chicken can dry out.
FAQs
Can I use regular pepper instead of lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes, you can, but you’ll miss out on the bright, citrusy flavor that lemon pepper seasoning provides. To mimic it, try adding lemon zest along with black pepper to achieve a similar tangy kick.
Is it possible to use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner option and will still provide a nice smoky flavor and crisp texture, though it may cook faster than traditional bacon, so keep an eye on it.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of cutlets?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and offer even juicier meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safety and tenderness.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang and richness, but a mild cheddar melts more smoothly if you prefer a creamier texture. Both options complement the dish beautifully.
Is it necessary to cover the skillet to melt the cheese?
Covering the skillet helps trap heat and creates a mini oven effect that melts the cheese uniformly without drying out the chicken. If you don’t have a lid, a piece of foil works just as well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Lemon Pepper Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Recipe enough—it’s an absolute winner for anyone who loves a flavorful and comforting meal without fuss. The combination of zesty lemon pepper seasoning, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar makes every bite a little celebration. Give this recipe a try and I promise it will quickly become a much-loved staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken cutlets seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and garlic powder, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken cutlets
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Toppings and Cooking
- 8 pieces thick sliced bacon
- 4 cheddar cheese slices
- 2 tbsp reserved bacon grease (from cooking bacon)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve two tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease in the skillet.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry and season both sides evenly with lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the reserved bacon grease in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Toppings: Place two slices of cooked bacon onto each chicken cutlet, then top each with a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid to create steam and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165ºF (75ºC).
- If preferred, shredded cheddar cheese can be used instead of slices for faster melting.
- For less grease, drain excess bacon fat before cooking chicken, keeping just 2 tablespoons for flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
