Lemon pepper chicken thighs are a tasty choice for dinner. Juicy chicken meets zesty lemon and a sprinkle of pepper, making every bite flavorful and refreshing!
I love how easy they are to make—just season, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests with minimal effort. Yum! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice for juiciness and flavor. If you prefer something leaner, boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts work too, but they might be less juicy.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for marinating and cooking. You can substitute it with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer a different flavor. Both work well in the oven.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness. If you’re short on fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will do, but it’s not as fresh-tasting. Just be cautious with the amount as it’s often more concentrated.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: If you don’t have this on hand, you can mix equal parts of black pepper and dried lemon zest or even use a little garlic powder instead for flavor. It’s a great way to customize the flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice kick of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip them or use a milder spice like paprika for some warmth without the heat.
How Do I Get the Crispy Skin on My Chicken Thighs?
A crispy skin is the key to delicious chicken thighs! Start by drying the skin with paper towels before marinating. This helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C). High heat is essential for crispiness.
- Use a baking dish that allows space between the thighs for air circulation, which helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t cover the dish while baking, as this traps moisture and makes the skin soggy.
Also, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking ensures that the juices redistribute, keeping it juicy inside while having that perfect crispy skin outside!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. You’ll bake it for 35-40 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including resting time. A perfect dish for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your chicken goes in, giving it that crispy skin we all love.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice!). This zesty mix will soak into the chicken and give it wonderful flavor.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and give them a good toss to make sure they’re all coated evenly. Let them sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes on the counter, or you can pop them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours if you want even more flavor.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Once the chicken is nicely marinated, grab a baking dish and lay the chicken thighs skin-side up. Pour any leftover marinade over the top for added flavor. To make it even more flavorful, place a few slices of lemon on each thigh.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the chicken is cooked through—look for that crispy golden skin, and make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
6. Let it Rest and Serve:
When the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and add some lemon slices on the side for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless thighs for bone-in ones; just adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs usually take about 25-30 minutes to bake at 425°F (220°C). Always check the internal temperature to make sure they reach 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
No worries! If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning, you can make your own using a mix of equal parts lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Feel free to add some garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help keep the skin crispy. You can also microwave, but the texture may not be as great.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is a great way to enhance the flavor! Just make sure to cover the chicken with plastic wrap or in a sealed container. However, if you feel it might be too tangy, you can marinate for just a few hours instead, and it will still be delicious!
