– **Title**: Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to make a marinade.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, skin side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
6. Flip the chicken thighs and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with your choice of sides!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work too, but they might be less moist.
Olive Oil: This adds richness. For a different flavor, try avocado oil or melted butter. Both will give a nice twist to the marinade.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest pack a punch! If you can’t get fresh lemons, bottled juice works, but fresh is the best for flavor. I always go fresh if I can.
Black Pepper: You can adjust the amount based on your taste. For a milder option, use less or substitute with white pepper. It’s gentler but still adds flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional for heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip them or use a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth without the heat.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Thighs Are Juicy and Crispy?
To get that perfect juicy and crispy chicken, focus on a few key steps. First, pat the chicken dry. This helps achieve a crispy skin since moisture can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes; 2 hours is even better!
- Preheat your oven. A hot oven helps the skin crisp up.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This keeps the juices inside.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll also need 35 to 45 minutes for baking. Overall, plan for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious chicken thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy skin.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir well until everything is combined and makes a tasty marinade.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get even crispier! Place the thighs in a baking dish.
4. Marinate the Chicken:
Pour that delicious lemon pepper marinade over the chicken thighs. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the dish and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours if you want even more flavor.
5. Add Lemon Slices:
Once marinated, arrange lemon slices on top of each chicken thigh. This will add flavor and look pretty too!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You want the chicken to be juicy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), with a golden crispy skin.
7. Let It Rest:
When the chicken is done, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle in and keeps it moist.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your chicken with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless chicken thighs will cook a bit faster, so reduce the baking time to about 25 to 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice instead. Substitute the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice. Just make sure to taste the marinade, as bottled juices can sometimes be less vibrant in flavor.
How Can 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 a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for quicker reheating.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Herbs like thyme or rosemary will work great, and spices such as paprika can add a nice smokiness. Just adjust the quantities based on your preferences!
