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Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a bright blend of lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and peppery heat with tender, moist chicken, suitable for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and versatile serving options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish or additional flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Variations (Optional)

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes (for spicy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, rosemary, or basil (herb-infused twist)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (for marinade sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and salt until fully blended to create a bright and flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat your cooking method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking. If cooking on the stovetop, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Alternatively, preheat a grill, managing flare-ups due to the oil and marinade.
  4. Cook the chicken thighs: For oven baking, arrange chicken skin-side up on a lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until the skin is crisp and the chicken is cooked through. For stovetop, sear skin-side down first until golden and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for a few more minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Rest and serve: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and best texture.
  • Do not skip marinating; even 30 minutes significantly boosts flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve crispy skin.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for a sharper, more aromatic flavor.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist and tender.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Recipe, Gluten Free, Citrus Chicken

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-thighs/