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    Homepage » Main Dishes

    Perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Published: Aug 13, 2020 · Modified: Nov 4, 2020 This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 41 Comments

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    Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Here's a delicious lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe. It's a simple oven-baked chicken thighs dish that is perfect for stress-free weeknight dinners.

    This roasted lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe is so hearty and comforting. The chicken thighs turn out right every time; it’s an easy recipe for chicken that will never fail you.

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    If you are looking for a good recipe for chicken thighs, try this Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe.

    It's oven-baked, made of simple ingredients, easy and inexpensive to make but loaded with lemon pepper flavors.

    You can read the reviews and re-pin here

    In this recipe, I will show you how to make your own lemon pepper seasoning. It's cheaper and tastes better than any store-bought lemon pepper mix.

    You can serve the lemon pepper chicken thighs with roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and garlic!

    Now let's talk about the ingredients, cooking process, and everything else that you need to know about lemon pepper chicken.

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Jump to:
    • Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
    • Preparation for Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs:
    • Chicken Thighs:
    • The Perfect Seasoning for Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs:
    • How to Marinate Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs:
    • The Perfect Temperature to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Oven:
    • The Cooking Process:
    • 📖 Recipe

    Preparation for Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs:

    The preparation is very simple. It involves chopping the garlic, mixing the spice rub, and drying the chicken with paper towels.

    Chicken Thighs:

    To make this recipe, you will need about 1-¾ pounds of chicken thighs, which is around 4 pieces.

    Skin-on thighs would be perfect for this recipe so you can get that nice brown and crispy skin.

    The skin also helps retain more fat and moisture that results in juicier meat.

    Lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe

    The Perfect Seasoning for Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs:

    The lemon pepper seasoning blend consists of basic pantry ingredients: olive oil, dried oregano, black pepper, onion powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, as well as the fresh produce: fresh garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

    You can use dried/fresh thyme or Italian seasoning as a substitute item for oregano or use a combination of both.

    Lemon Pepper Seasoning for Chicken

    Kosher salt is an absolute must-have ingredient on so many chicken recipes! Kosher salt has larger grains than table salt that makes it easier to distribute evenly on meat.

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    I usually use about ¾ - 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken.

    However, the lemon juice and lemon zest act as flavor enhancers and brighten up the taste of food. Both are often used as a salt replacement for those who are trying to reduce sodium intake. For that reason, I only used 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per recipe (4 pieces of chicken, 1-¾ pounds total).

    How to Marinate Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs:

    Marinating is optional, but if you could marinate the chicken in the seasoning for 15-30 minutes it will help absorb the flavors.

    Roasted Chicken Thighs

    The Perfect Temperature to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Oven:

    Roast the chicken thighs at 400°F for about 35-45 minutes. The cooking time will be shorter if you are using boneless chicken thighs.

    The best way to make sure your chicken is safe to eat is to check the internal temperature. 

    The USDA recommends cooking whole poultry (including breasts, legs, thighs, wings, and giblets) to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured using a food.

    The Cooking Process:

    This lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe can be done in 3 easy steps.

    Step 1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs

    Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.

    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.

    What to Serve With Baked Chicken Thighs:

    • Baked Mac and Cheese
    • Roasted Yellow Squash with Parmesan Cheese and Herbs
    • Summer Squash Casserole
    • Korean Spinach Salad
    • Skillet Fried Corn
    • Caprese Salad
    • Elotes Mexicanos

    FAQ and Cooking Tips

    Can I omit sugar from this lemon pepper chicken recipe?

    Like salt, sugar is a flavor enhancer. However, if you prefer not to have sugar, feel free to skip it.

    Can I cook these lemon pepper chicken tighs in an air fryer?

    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 registered at 165°F, rotate the chicken halfway through. Here's a great recipe for air fryer chicken thighs.

    How long can you keep leftover cooked lemon pepper chicken in a fridge?

    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). 

    How do you reheat leftover bone-in skin-on chicken thighs?

    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
    • Chicken and Chorizo Rice
    • Roasted Half Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Lime Chicken with Couscous
    • Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders
    • Chicken Shawarma
    • Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
    • Harissa Chicken
    • Creamy Chicken Marsala
    • Crock Pot Slow Chicken Stew

    Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! I'd appreciate it. 

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    📖 Recipe

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
    4.91 from 21 votes

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Rika
    A simple chicken dish that is perfect for stress-free weeknight dinners. This lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe is so hearty and comforting. The chicken thighs turn out right every time; it’s a recipe that will never fail you.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 319 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 chicken thighs , (bone-in and skin-on) - about 1¾ pounds total

    Spice Blend:

    • 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

    Instructions
     

    • 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.

    Video

    Notes

    Storing: 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). 
     
     

    Nutrition

    Sodium: 669mgCalcium: 16mgVitamin C: 4mgVitamin A: 88IUSugar: 1gFiber: 1gPotassium: 232mgCholesterol: 111mgCalories: 319kcalSaturated Fat: 6gFat: 26gProtein: 19gCarbohydrates: 3gIron: 1mg
    Keyword lemon pepper chicken thighs, oven-baked chicken thighs
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emily

      August 18, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      These lemon pepper chicken thighs are so delicious! Such amazing flavor and cooked to perfection! Adding this to my weeknight recipe rotation!

    2. Renee | The Good Hearted Woman

      August 18, 2020 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      Such a tasty recipe, and so easy to make too! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

    3. Cookilicious

      August 18, 2020 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect weeknight meal!

    4. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry .

      August 18, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      What delicious flavours!

    5. Pris Frank

      August 18, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      OMG I'm already eating with my eyes. Lemon is just amazing with chicken, and I loved that you didn't skip on the garlic. Yum!

    6. Ben

      August 19, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      I love that lemon flavor with the tender thigh meat. That is fully awesome.

    7. Amber Myers

      August 19, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      I love lemon pepper chicken!

    8. Pam Wattenbarger

      August 19, 2020 at 5:23 pm

      That chicken looks so tasty! Lemon pepper chicken is one of our favorite recipes.

    9. Terri A Steffes

      August 19, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      We adore chicken thighs and now I want to try these. I'll share the recipe with my husband. He does the cooking for the house.

    10. Rose Ann Sales

      August 20, 2020 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      Great savory and the ingredients are easy to grab. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    11. Jennifer Van Haitsma

      August 20, 2020 at 4:30 am

      Lemon pepper chicken looks like it would be so good with a summery salad. Yum!

    12. Catalina

      August 20, 2020 at 7:17 am

      5 stars
      Yum! These chicken thighs are so crispy and look so mouthwatering! I would like to make them for dinner tonight!

    13. Acupofassamtea

      August 20, 2020 at 10:21 am

      An ideal recipe for summer brunch.

    14. Kathy

      August 20, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      Chicken is one of my favorite meats. Lemon pepper is my favorite flavoring as well. The two together taste amazing.

    15. Ruth I

      August 21, 2020 at 10:34 am

      I love how this is a cheap dinner idea but never looks cheap at all. Yummy!

    16. Mama Ash

      August 24, 2020 at 9:44 am

      This looks amazing and I have chicken thighs in the fridge! I think I'll make this for dinner tonight 🙂

    17. Hannah Marie

      August 24, 2020 at 10:00 am

      5 stars
      I am so glad we have all those ingredients right now. I will be trying this dish! Looks yummy!

    18. Orlie

      August 24, 2020 at 10:24 am

      This looks like an excellent, and easy weeknight dinner. I can't wait to try this.

    19. Rika Livingston

      August 27, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      Awesome!

    20. Rika Livingston

      August 27, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      I agreed, Ruth!

    21. Rika Livingston

      August 27, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      That sounds like the perfect pair, Jennifer!

    22. Rika Livingston

      August 27, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      You're welcome, Rose!

    23. Rika Livingston

      August 27, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      I am sure he is a good cook, Terri!

    24. Rika Livingston

      August 27, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      Thanks, Ben!

    25. Rika Livingston

      August 27, 2020 at 7:56 pm

      Never skip the garlic, that's my #1 rule, Pris! 🙂

    26. Nikki Branch

      February 04, 2021 at 5:09 am

      5 stars
      I have to say, I have tried a lot of recipes off of Pintrist and not been pleased But this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is off the chain amazing!!!

    27. Rika

      February 04, 2021 at 8:37 am

      Hi Nikki,

      Thanks for taking the time to share your positive feedback! I am glad to that you found this lemon pepper chicken recipe on Pinterest and liked it. It's my go-to chicken recipe when I am looking for a simple dinner meal.

      Take care!

      Rika

    28. Caitlin

      April 25, 2021 at 6:47 am

      If I double the recipe, does the cooking time stay the same?

    29. Rika

      April 25, 2021 at 11:18 am

      Hi Caitlin,

      The bake time will not change significantly but you need to use a bigger pan. Please note that you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken, oven-quality, etc. The FDA Food Code suggests cooking chicken to 165°F.

      Please let me know if you still have any other questions.

      Best,

      Rika

    30. Natacha

      April 25, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      It was really good and juicy

    31. Rika

      April 25, 2021 at 9:48 pm

      Hi Natacha,

      Thanks for sharing your feedback! I am glad that you liked this chicken recipe.

      Best,

      Rika

    32. Vane

      July 04, 2021 at 5:37 am

      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!

    33. Rika

      July 04, 2021 at 11:25 am

      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

    34. Robynn

      July 11, 2021 at 12:13 pm

      Can you skip the lemon zest?

    35. Rika

      July 11, 2021 at 12:36 pm

      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

    36. Michelle D Lang

      July 21, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      4 stars
      This was

    37. Rika

      July 21, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      Thanks for taking the time to review this recipe, Michelle! I am glad that you liked it.

    38. Diane

      September 21, 2021 at 8:13 am

      Hi did you cover it when you baked it?

    39. Rika

      September 21, 2021 at 11:11 am

      Hi Diane,

      No. I didn't cover it.
      Please let me know if you have any questions.

      Best,

      Rika

    40. Lisa B

      February 21, 2022 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      Sooo delicious and so easy to prepare! I marinated them for 1/2 hour beforehand. My husband absolutely LOVED it! Definitely making this again!

    41. Rika

      February 21, 2022 at 2:49 pm

      Hi Lisa,

      Thanks for trying and sharing your feedback. I am glad that you and your husband loved it.

      Best,

      Rika

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