If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that won’t require a lot of effort, chicken is the perfect choice.
And if you want your meal to be extra special, why not pair it with some delicious cheese?
Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that’s made even more delicious when served with the right cheese.
See Also: 11 Easy Sauces that Go with Lemon Pepper Chicken
There are so many amazing cheeses to choose from when it comes to lemon pepper chicken, and I’ve compiled a list of 15 of my favorite cheeses to try.
From mild cheeses like Brie and Camembert to sharper cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar, there’s a cheese for everyone.
Not only will these cheeses add flavor and richness to your chicken, but they’ll also help create a beautifully creamy sauce.
So whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something special for a special occasion, these 15 cheese pairs perfectly with your chicken.
Why Consider Pairing Lemon Pepper Chicken with Cheese?
Pairing lemon pepper chicken with cheese is a fantastic way to add flavor and complexity to your Menu.
Lemon pepper chicken is a dish that is typically very simple, but pairing it with cheese can make it much more interesting and complex.
This kind of chicken is a great option for those who are looking for something light and refreshing.
Cheese can provide additional flavors and richness that will balance out the spiciness of the lemon pepper seasoning.
Another benefit of pairing lemon pepper chicken with cheese is that it can be used as an entrée or appetizer.
It allows you to create a dish that can be served in many different ways and is perfect for any occasion.
What Cheese Goes with Lemon Pepper Chicken?
There are many types of cheese that would pair well with lemon pepper chicken. A few examples include feta cheese, goat cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. These cheeses all have different textures and flavors that can complement the lemon pepper chicken dish.
For more options, keep scrolling!
1. Feta
I love a slightly salty, tangy cheese with my lemon pepper chicken, so I think feta would be perfect!
I would also add in some chopped fresh parsley or basil for a little extra flavor.
Other possible additions could include roasted peppers, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed broccoli.
A side dish to go with this meal would be some roasted carrots or potatoes.
For an easy and quick meal, this combination is perfect!
Adding some lemon juice and pepper to your chicken before cooking will give it a delicious citrus flavor that will pair perfectly with the cheese.
If you’re looking for a dish that is a little more substantial, try serving the chicken and cheese topped with a simple salad or some oven roasted potatoes.
Either way, this meal is sure to be a hit!
2. Goat cheese
Goat cheese has a tart, almost spreadable texture that pairs well with lemon pepper chicken.
For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding in a diced onion or crushed garlic to the mix.
Other additions that would work well include chopped fresh parsley or mint, or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy and tangy finish.
A side dish that goes well with this dish is a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
I sometimes like to serve this dish with roasted potatoes or a simple vegetable side dish.
For a fun variation, try serving the chicken and cheese on a bed of warm, buttered noodles.
3. Ricotta
Adding ricotta to your chicken dish gives it a nice and creamy texture, while lemon pepper gives it a nice zing.
This cheese and chicken pairing is great together because it can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
Other ingredients that can be added to this dish are herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, or spices, such as chili powder or cumin.
This dish can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.
I also think that a simple salad would go really well with this dish.
A salad with a creamy dressing, such as balsamic vinegar or olive oil, would be the perfect way to top off this meal.
Adding a few pieces of roasted chicken or roasted vegetables would also be a great addition to this dish.
4. Mozzarella
Although this cheese is quite delicate, it goes amazingly well with lemon pepper chicken.
The acidity of the cheese balances out the smoky flavor of the pepper, and the two flavors are perfect together.
If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, pairing this cheese with a hearty bread or some roasted vegetables can be a great way to enjoy it.
Alternatively, a simple salad with a vinaigrette is a great way to jazz up this simple dish.
A sauce made with olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper can be a great way to add some extra flavor to the dish, and a side of roasted vegetables or a simple bread can round out the meal.
5. Parmesan
For a fruitier option, I like to pair my Parmesan cheese with lemon pepper chicken.
The combination is both fruity and nutty in taste, and it goes well with a variety of side dishes.
I usually serve the chicken with a green salad and a loaf of crusty bread.
Lemon pepper Parmesan chicken is also great served over a bed of rice or pasta.
Adding other ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cranberries can really change up the flavor profile of this dish.
For a more savory option, try adding in chopped onions or garlic.
Whatever you choose to add, I think it’s safe to say that Parmesan cheese and lemon pepper chicken are a classic combination that everyone will love.
6. Cheddar
If you like the taste of a sharp cheese with your lemon pepper chicken, then you’ll love using Parmesan.
This cheese has a strong, pungent flavor that goes well with the zesty lemon pepper seasoning.
You can either sprinkle the cheese on top of your chicken before cooking, or you can add it after the chicken is cooked.
Either way, you’ll get the full flavor of the cheese.
If you want to add a little bit of creaminess to your dish, you can add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
This will also help to cool down the spice of the lemon pepper.
For a side dish, you can’t go wrong with roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.
7. Swiss
I like the subtle sweetness of Swiss cheese with the lemon pepper chicken.
The two flavors go well together without being too overwhelming.
I also like to add a little bit of onion and garlic to the mix.
This gives the dish a bit more depth and flavor.
I also like to serve it with a side of rice or quinoa.
This dish is also great with a side of steamed vegetables.
If you want a sauce for your lemon pepper chicken, I recommend a simple mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper.
This sauce is light and fresh, and it really lets the flavors of the chicken and cheese shine through.
You could also add a bit of chopped parsley or basil to the sauce for a bit of color and flavor.
8. Gouda
I also like the nutty, caramelly taste of Gouda with lemon pepper chicken.
I find that it brings out the sweetness of the chicken, and the two flavors complement each other well.
I usually add a little bit of Gouda to my lemon pepper chicken when I’m cooking it, and then I sprinkle some on top when it’s done.
I also like to add a side of roasted potatoes or rice to my meal.
For herbs and spices, I usually stick to just lemon pepper and garlic powder.
But if you want to get creative, you could try adding some thyme, basil, or oregano to the mix.
You could also add a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat, or some paprika for a smokey flavor.
Whatever you decide to add, just make sure that it goes well with both chicken and cheese.
In terms of additions, I sometimes like to add a bit of cream to my lemon pepper chicken and cheese.
This helps to make the dish richer and more flavorful.
You could also add some chopped onions or green peppers for a bit of color and crunch.
And of course, you could always add more cheese if you’re a true cheese lover.
9. Brie
If you want a little more taste with your meal, try adding some brie cheese.
This mild cheese has a buttery taste that will go well with the lemon pepper seasoning.
You can add it to the chicken dish or serve it on the side.
If you want a bit more of a crunch, you can also add some chopped nuts to the dish.
For a side dish, try serving green beans or roasted potatoes.
10. Camembert
This cheese is all over the place in terms of what it can go with.
It’s great with chicken because the eggy, mushroomy flavor pairs well with the lemon pepper seasoning.
You could also add some other herbs to the chicken, like thyme or rosemary, to really bring out the flavor of the cheese.
If you’re looking for a side dish, I would recommend something starchy like mashed potatoes or rice.
This will help balance out the acidity of the lemon pepper and the richness of the cheese.
You could also add a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans.
For an extra special touch, you could drizzle a little bit of honey over the chicken and cheese.
The sweetness will compliment the savory flavors and create a really unique dish.
For sauces or dips, I would go with a simple ranch dressing or a honey mustard.
Both of these will enhance the flavors of the chicken and cheese without overpowering them.
11. Chevre
Sometimes, the mildest cheese can be the perfect compliment to a dish like lemon pepper chicken.
Chevre is a great example – its buttery flavor pairs well with the zesty chicken, and the creaminess helps to offset any potential spice.
And don’t forget the sides!
A simple green salad is always a good choice, but you could also try something heartier like roasted potatoes or a grain pilaf.
Whatever you choose, just make sure to have plenty of cheese on hand – it’s the perfect way to round out this delicious dish.
If you’re still not full, a slice of lemon cake or a tart will complete your meal on a sweet note.
And of course, a glass of cold milk is the perfect drink to wash it all down.
So go ahead and indulge – your taste buds will thank you!
12. Roquefort
For a sharper and saltier option, try Roquefort cheese with your chicken.
The strong flavor of the cheese will complement the chicken perfectly, and the addition of a few crackers or a side of bread will help to balance out the meal.
If you’re looking for a heartier option, you could add some roasted vegetables or a simple salad to the mix.
If you’re still not satisfied with the level of flavor, you could also try adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon pepper to the chicken before adding the cheese.
This will give the dish an extra zing that is sure to please your taste buds.
No matter what you choose to add, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
What Cheese Goes with Lemon Pepper Chicken? (12 Cheeses)
Ingredients
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Ricotta
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Gouda
- Brie
- Camembert
- Chevre
- Roquefort
Instructions
- Pick your favorite cheese from this list to use with your meal.
- Prepare the rest of your ingredients.
- Enjoy in no time!