Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful blend of lemon pepper, garlic, onion, and herbs, then baked to crispy perfection. A touch of fresh lemon zest and juice brightens up the dish, making it a vibrant, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 chicken thighs (skin on and bone in)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish)
- Lemon slices (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and set aside for easy cleanup.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel to ensure crisp skin after baking.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, paprika, and fresh lemon zest. Mix until evenly blended.
- Create the Marinade: Add fresh lemon juice and olive oil to the seasoning mixture, stirring well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs and marinade into a large Ziplock bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken to coat completely. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator, or proceed directly to baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking tray over a rack if available to allow even air circulation. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with your choice of rice and vegetables.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before applying marinade helps achieve crispy skin.
- Using a rack while baking allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, cooking it evenly and crisping the skin.
- Broiling at the end enhances the skin’s crunch—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Marinating the chicken beforehand intensifies flavors but is optional if you’re short on time.
- Check meat temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
