Irresistible Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe For Dinner

Crispy, golden lemon pepper chicken thighs shine as a mouthwatering dinner solution that sparks instant hunger.

Zesty seasonings create a magical blend of tangy and savory flavors.

Salt and pepper dance across succulent meat, promising delectable results.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients make this dish surprisingly simple to master.

Home cooks can elevate weeknight meals with minimal preparation steps.

Bold citrus notes complement the rich chicken perfectly.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible culinary creation.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with zesty lemon and bold black pepper, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.
• Flexible Cooking Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, this dish adapts to different schedules and meal preferences with simple ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: Kids and adults alike will love the tangy, savory profile that makes this chicken recipe a guaranteed winner at any family dinner or potluck.
• Healthy Protein Power: Lean chicken thighs provide excellent nutrition, offering a protein-rich meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: A flavorful and tender cut of meat that serves as the star of this delicious recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Black Pepper, Salt: Core seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Brings a subtle herbal note to the marinade.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy spicy food.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green finish and brightens the presentation of the dish.
• Lemon Slices: Provides additional citrus flavor and decorative element when baking.

Cooking Steps for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Getting the temperature right ensures your chicken will cook evenly and develop that gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Blend everything until the marinade looks smooth and smells incredible.

Step 3: Drench Chicken With Goodness

Drop chicken thighs into the marinade, massaging the mixture so every inch gets coated. Let the meat soak up flavors for 30 minutes at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

Step 4: Arrange For Baking

Transfer chicken thighs skin-side up into a baking dish. Pour remaining marinade over the meat. Tuck some fresh lemon slices around the chicken for extra zing.

Step 5: Roast To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken turns golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The skin should look crispy and delectable.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove from oven and let chicken rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or fluffy rice for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thigh Success

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to ensure maximum flavor and moisture, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, adding just a pinch for mild warmth or more for a spicier kick.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add extra lemon zest or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to boost the marinade's complexity and aromatic profile.
• Crisp Skin Technique: Pat chicken thighs dry before marinating and use skin-side up positioning to achieve a golden, crispy exterior during baking.

Ways to Switch Up Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap oregano for fresh rosemary and thyme, add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs: Replace black pepper with Cajun seasoning, add smoked paprika and cayenne for extra heat and robust southern-style taste.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of traditional seasonings for people with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Zesty Chicken: Eliminate any sugary ingredients, use fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, serve with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

Side Ideas for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

• Pair Vibrant White Wine: Select a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that beautifully complements the lemon and pepper notes in the chicken, enhancing the bright, zesty flavors.
• Create Herbal Couscous Side: Prepare a light couscous salad with fresh parsley, mint, and a touch of lemon zest to echo the marinade's ingredients and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken.
• Match Mediterranean Salad: Craft a Greek-inspired salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and oregano, which mirrors the herb profile of the chicken and adds a cool, tangy dimension.

Storage Advice for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

• Store cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place them flat in the container, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F throughout.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thigh FAQs

• Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

While bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture, boneless chicken thighs can work too. Just adjust cooking time slightly as boneless thighs cook faster.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs, use about 1/3 of the amount in dried herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon dried parsley.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the thigh – the meat should be white with no pink.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (or up to 2 hours and 40 minutes with marinating)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper chicken thighs bring Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with bold, tangy flavors. Crispy skin and juicy meat create a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Liquid and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Garnish:

• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to absorb flavors for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
3. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer marinated chicken thighs skin-side up into a baking dish, pouring any remaining marinade over the top.
4. Optionally, arrange fresh lemon slices on the chicken for enhanced aroma and presentation.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken achieves a golden-brown color and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside complementary side dishes like steamed vegetables or fluffy rice.

Notes

• Marinate Mindfully: Let the chicken soak up the zesty marinade for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.
• Skin Perfection: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry before marinating and ensure they’re placed skin-side up in the baking dish.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken thighs with tofu or boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for marinating)
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg