Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a zesty delight! The juicy chicken gets a burst of flavor from fresh lemon and a sprinkle of pepper, making it taste amazing with every bite.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! Just season, bake, and enjoy the crispy skin. I love serving it with rice or veggies, and my family always asks for seconds. Who can say no to that flavor? 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are best for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can work, but watch cooking time as they may cook faster.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are crucial for both zest and juice. If you’re out of fresh ones, bottled lemon juice can be used, though it won’t have the same vibrant taste. You could also substitute lime for a different citrus twist.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. If you’re out, vegetable or avocado oil can be great alternatives, but they may alter the flavor slightly.
Spices: The combination of garlic powder and onion powder adds depth. Feel free to replace them with fresh minced garlic and onion—just adjust the amount since fresh is usually stronger.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing flavors. For the best results, aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, marinating overnight is even better! Just remember to keep it in the fridge.
- Always pat the chicken dry before marinating. This helps the skin crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Use a good baking dish; a metal one will help with browning. Don’t crowd the chicken; ensure there’s space between the pieces.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Marinade:
- 2 lemons (1 sliced into rounds, 1 juiced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes, and finally, about 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total of around 1 hour and 20 minutes, including cooking time and resting time before serving. Perfect for a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Marinade:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab a small bowl and mix together the olive oil, juice of one lemon, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This flavorful mix is your marinade!
2. Preparing the Chicken Thighs:
Next, take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin to get nice and crispy when baking. Place the chicken in a baking dish, ready to soak up all that delicious marinade.
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Pour the marinade generously over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well coated on all sides. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, a few hours in the fridge would be even better!
4. Baking the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, arrange the lemon slices on top of the thighs for some extra zing. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and that lovely golden, crispy skin.
5. Finishing Touches:
After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to keep it juicy. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side. Your delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re cooked through. This will help keep them juicy and tender.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice at about half the amount. For the lemon zest, you can skip it or use a little bit of lemon extract for a similar flavor, but start with just a drop since it’s concentrated.
Can I Make It Spicier?
Definitely! If you like heat, consider increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also serve it with a hot sauce on the side for extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps to keep the skin crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be aware that it may soften the skin.
