Here's a delicious lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe-a simple, oven-baked dish perfect for stress-free weeknight dinners. This oven-baked lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe is hearty and comforting. The chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time, making it a fail-proof and easy chicken recipe.
If you're in search of a great chicken thighs recipe, give this Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs a try. It's oven-baked, crafted from straightforward ingredients, easy, budget-friendly, yet bursting with delightful lemon pepper flavors.
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Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe
In this recipe, I'll guide you through creating your own lemon pepper seasoning-more economical and richer in flavor than any store-bought mix.
You can serve the lemon pepper chicken thighs with Roasted Baby potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic, Baked Mac and Cheese, Roasted Yellow Squash with Parmesan Cheese and Herbs, Summer Squash Casserole , Caprese Salad or Elotes Mexicanos
Now, let's delve into the ingredients, cooking process, and all the essential details for mastering the art of lemon pepper chicken.
This recipe is so simple, it's a keeper! I also really appreciated that the ingredients are all ingredients that are easily found in your pantry. The chicken came out tender and the marinade brought the flavours out so beautifully. Thank you for sharing!
Reviewed by Vane (July 04, 2021)
Ingredients
To prepare this tasty lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe at home, you'll need the following ingredients, each serving a specific purpose:
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs, with bone and skin, steal the spotlight as the key ingredient in this dish.
- Olive oil: for a rich base and moisture.
- Lemon juice and Lemon zest: imparting citrusy brightness and intense lemon flavor.
- Onion powder: adding savory depth.
- Fresh garlic: enhancing aromatic notes.
- Dried oregano: providing herbal essence.
- Black pepper: delivering a warm, pungent kick.
- Kosher salt: for overall seasoning. Kosher salt is a crucial ingredient in this lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe! Its larger grains, in comparison to table salt, make it easier to evenly distribute on the meat.
- Brown sugar: balancing with subtle sweetness.
Top Tip
Opting for skin-on thighs is ideal for achieving a nice brown and crispy exterior. Additionally, the skin aids in retaining more fat and moisture, ensuring juicier meat.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Here is a detailed guide to the step-by-step preparation and cooking process for lemon pepper chicken thighs.
Step 1. Preparation
- Mince the garlic.
- Juice and zest a lemon.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Step 2. Season the Chicken Thighs
- In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients.
- Rub the seasoning all over the chicken thighs.
- If possible, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
Step 3. Roast the Chicken Thighs
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the chicken, skin side up on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, is no longer pink, and until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips
- Prep the Chicken: Ensure the chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a crispier skin during baking.
- Seasoning Distribution: Evenly distribute the lemon pepper seasoning on both sides of each chicken thigh for consistent flavor.
- Marination (Optional): If time allows, consider marinating the chicken in the lemon pepper seasoning for 15-30 minutes. This enhances flavor absorption.
- Proper Cooking Temperature: For perfectly oven-baked chicken thighs, roast them at 400°F for approximately 35-45 minutes. If using boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time will be shorter.
- Cook chicken thighs properly. Ensure thorough cooking of chicken thighs. The USDA advises cooking whole poultry, including breasts, legs, thighs, wings, and giblets, to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F, as measured using a food thermometer.
FAQ
Like salt, sugar is a flavor enhancer. However, if you prefer not to have sugar, feel free to skip it.
Yes, you can. Simply preheat the air fryer to 400°F and air fry the chicken thighs for 18-25 minutes or until the internal temperature registers at 165°F, rotate the chicken halfway through. Here's a great recipe for air fryer chicken thighs.
You can store the leftover in an airtight container. Properly stored, the leftover cooked chicken can last 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 6 months. Be sure to keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F (4° C). The freezer temperature should be 0° F (-18° C).
Brush your chicken lightly with olive oil and wrap it tightly with the foil. Place the chicken on a prepared baking sheet. Bake at 325°F until the internal temperature of the meat registers at least 165° F on a meat thermometer.
Check Out More Chicken Recipes:
- Oven-Baked Rosemary Chicken Thighs
- Easy Chicken Picatta
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
- Roasted Cornish Hen
- Roasted Half Chicken
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! I'd appreciate it.
📖 Recipe
Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on) - about 1¾ pounds total
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano (or use Italian seasoning or thyme)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (use ¾ teaspoon if you are salt-sensitive)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Method
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the spice blend ingredients and mix well. Season the chicken thighs with the spice blend. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes if possible.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the chicken, skin side up on a prepared baking sheet. Cook for about 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, is no longer pink, and until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Natacha says
It was really good and juicy
Rika says
Hi Natacha,
Thanks for sharing your feedback! I am glad that you liked this chicken recipe.
Best,
Rika
Glenda says
Could you use chicken breast cutlets?
Rika says
Hi Glenda,
Certainly, while you can opt for chicken cutlets instead of chicken thighs, it's important to modify the cooking time to ensure the chicken cutlets don't end up overcooked.
Best,
Rika
Vane says
This recipe is so simple, it's a keeper! I also really appreciated that the ingredients are all ingredients that are easily found in your pantry. The chicken came out tender and the marinade brought the flavours out so beautifully. Thank you for sharing!
Rika says
Hi Vane,
You're welcome and thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. I am glad that you like this recipe :).
Best,
Rika
Robynn says
Can you skip the lemon zest?
Rika says
Hi Robynn,
The lemon zest plays a role to bring more flavors to the dish. However, if you prefer not to add it for any reason feel free to omit it. Let me know how it tastes without it.
Best,
Rika
Michelle D Lang says
This was
Rika says
Thanks for taking the time to review this recipe, Michelle! I am glad that you liked it.
Diane says
Hi did you cover it when you baked it?
Rika says
Hi Diane,
No. I didn't cover it.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Rika
Lisa B says
Sooo delicious and so easy to prepare! I marinated them for 1/2 hour beforehand. My husband absolutely LOVED it! Definitely making this again!
Rika says
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for trying and sharing your feedback. I am glad that you and your husband loved it.
Best,
Rika
Jenny says
this has become one of my go-to easy idk-what-to-make-for-dinner night meals. Me and my boyfriend both love it, he has it with rice and I usually have it with vegetables.
Rika says
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for the comment! Thighs are my favorite part of the chicken. I actually make these a lot so I’m very pleased to hear you’re both enjoying it!
Best,
Rika
Samantha Esqueda says
Delicious! I know I will make this again very soon, the only thing I might add it some lemon pepper seasoning because I thought the flavor was a bit light. I was still very good though, and if not adding extra seasoning I would serve with lemons like the photos show. I threw in potatoes and carrots on the same baking sheet and everything came out perfect.
Rika says
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for trying the lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe and sharing your feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed it overall and found the addition of potatoes and carrots worked well. Adding extra lemon pepper seasoning sounds like a great idea for more flavor next time. Serving with lemons is a nice touch too!
Best,
Rika