How many carbs does lemon pepper chicken have? A complete guide

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A basic baked lemon pepper chicken breast can contain as little as 1 to 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, according to nutrition data, making it an excellent low-carb option. However, understanding the exact carb count depends on preparation methods and ingredients.

Quick Summary

Carb counts for lemon pepper chicken vary significantly based on preparation. Simple seasoning is low-carb, while breading or sugary glazes can raise it. Monitoring additional ingredients is key for managing carbohydrate intake.

Key Points

Carb Count Varies: The carbohydrate level in lemon pepper chicken is highly dependent on how it's prepared.
Pure Seasoning is Low Carb: Standard lemon pepper seasoning, without added sugar or fillers, contains minimal carbohydrates, typically less than 1g per teaspoon.
Cooking Method Matters: Baking, grilling, or air frying keeps the dish naturally low in carbs, while frying with breading adds significant carbohydrates.
Watch for Sugary Glazes: Restaurant or pre-made versions often use sauces or glazes high in sugar, dramatically increasing the carb count.
Keto-Friendly Option: By using unbreaded chicken and a simple, sugar-free seasoning, lemon pepper chicken can easily be part of a ketogenic diet.
Check Commercial Labels: For pre-packaged products or seasoning mixes, always read the nutrition label to identify hidden sugars or high-carb additives.

The Core Components: Chicken and Seasoning

At its most basic, lemon pepper chicken consists of just chicken, lemon pepper seasoning, and oil for cooking. Chicken itself is a zero-carb protein source, meaning any carbohydrates in the final dish come from the other ingredients. This is a critical distinction for those on restrictive diets like keto or low-carb plans.

Is Lemon Pepper Seasoning High in Carbs?

For those watching their carb intake, the seasoning is a key area of concern. The good news is that pure lemon pepper seasoning is very low in carbohydrates. A typical teaspoon of pure lemon pepper seasoning contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, mostly from the lemon zest and pepper. The issue arises when commercial blends include anti-caking agents, sugar, or other additives to enhance flavor or shelf life. Always check the ingredients label for hidden sugars or fillers that could increase the carb count unnecessarily. To be safest, consider making your own blend from lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.

The Impact of Cooking Method on Carbohydrates

The way you cook your lemon pepper chicken is the single most significant factor in its carbohydrate content. Here's how different methods compare:

Baked or Grilled: This is the ideal low-carb preparation. By simply seasoning the chicken and baking or grilling it with a minimal amount of oil, the resulting carb count remains very low, often under 5g per serving. The chicken provides protein, and the seasoning provides flavor without adding carbohydrates.
Fried: Frying introduces a major source of carbs. Any breading made from flour, breadcrumbs, or batter will add a substantial amount of carbohydrates. This method, common for wings or tenders, can increase the carb count from a negligible amount to over 15 grams per serving.
Pan-Seared with a Glaze: While a simple pan-searing is low-carb, adding a sauce or glaze can change the nutritional profile. Glazes made with honey, sugar, or thicker sauces will drive up the carb count. Recipes that use a creamy sauce with heavy cream and minimal flour can be kept low-carb, but it's important to monitor the ingredients closely.

Comparison Table: Carb Count by Preparation Method

This table illustrates how the preparation method directly impacts the carbohydrate content of lemon pepper chicken. The values are approximate and can vary based on specific recipes and brands.


Preparation Method	Key Ingredients	Approximate Carbs per Serving (grams)
Baked or Grilled (Plain)	Chicken, lemon pepper seasoning, oil	1-5 g
Fried Tenders (Breading)	Chicken, flour/breadcrumbs, seasoning, oil	10-15+ g
Restaurant Wings (Breading & Sauce)	Chicken wings, breading, sauce	15-25+ g
Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken (Low-Carb)	Chicken, lemon pepper, cream, garlic, butter	5-10 g
Meal Prep Service (Standard)	Varies, often with glazes or sides	10-25+ g

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Lemon Pepper Chicken

Achieving a low-carb or keto-friendly lemon pepper chicken dish is straightforward if you focus on the core components. Here are some key considerations:

Use boneless, skinless chicken: This ensures you are focusing purely on the chicken meat, which is carb-free.
Stick to simple seasonings: Opt for homemade lemon pepper or a vetted commercial blend with no added sugar or fillers. Using fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper is the best way to control ingredients.
Cook without breading: Baking, grilling, or air frying are the best methods. An air fryer can provide a crispy texture similar to frying without adding the carbs from breading.
Choose keto-friendly sides: Pair your chicken with non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or a simple green salad to keep the meal's total carb count low. Avoiding rice, pasta, or potatoes is essential for a keto diet.

Here is a simple, low-carb recipe for baked lemon pepper chicken:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the zest of one lemon.
Rub the mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
Place the chicken in a baking dish and arrange a few fresh lemon slices on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Conclusion

The final answer to how many carbs does lemon pepper chicken have is that it depends. For those managing their carb intake, it's a dish with high potential as a keto-friendly meal, provided that you control the variables. Unbreaded, simple preparations will yield a very low carbohydrate count, with the total typically under 5 grams per serving. However, store-bought products, fried versions, and sugar-laden glazes can quickly turn it into a high-carb dish. By carefully selecting your ingredients and preparation method, you can enjoy this flavorful dish while adhering to your dietary goals. For reliable food data, the USDA's FoodData Central is an excellent resource for checking nutritional information on individual ingredients like spices and meats [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a basic lemon pepper chicken made from unbreaded chicken with a pure, low-carb seasoning is very suitable for a keto diet. The carb count can be kept very low, making it an ideal meal. However, avoid breaded or glazed versions, as these are high in carbohydrates.

Pure lemon pepper seasoning contains a negligible amount of carbohydrates, usually less than 1 gram per teaspoon from the lemon zest and pepper. Some commercial brands may contain a higher carb count due to added sugars or anti-caking agents, so it's best to check the label.

To make low-carb lemon pepper chicken, use unbreaded chicken breasts or thighs. Season with a homemade lemon pepper blend or a commercial version with no added sugar. Bake, grill, or air fry the chicken and avoid sugary glazes.

Restaurants often use breading, batters, or sauces that contain sugar or flour, which significantly increases the carbohydrate count. Fried lemon pepper wings, for example, have a much higher carb count than simple grilled chicken.

The carb difference comes from how they are prepared, not the cut of chicken. While the chicken meat itself is carb-free, wings are more commonly fried with a breading, which adds a significant amount of carbs compared to a plain baked or grilled breast.

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice. Fresh lemon zest and juice are often preferred for flavor, but bottled lemon juice typically contains minimal to no carbs and is acceptable for a low-carb preparation. Just ensure it's not a sweetened concentrate.

Great low-carb side dishes include steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, a fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing, cauliflower rice, or sautéed zucchini.