Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs make for the perfect weeknight dinner or even entertaining served with rice and roasted veggies.

If you’re looking for a flavorful main course these lemon pepper chicken thighs will be your new favorite weeknight meal!

Lemon adds a beautiful brightness and the pepper adds a little heat. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. And don’t forget some roasted vegetables on the side.

This is even great to make a chicken meal prep with a side salad or your prefer additions.

Lemon pepper chicken thighs ingredients:

• Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on): Using bone-in and skin-on results in a juicer chicken breast. You can also use this for other cuts of chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cook time.
• Lemons: Fresh lemons brighten the dish up and we use the juice and the zest!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Using oil adds richness and helps carry the lemon and pepper flavors all over the chicken.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: These are lemon pepper wings so we make sure they’re super flavorful by adding a bit more lemon and of course pepper!
• Granulated Garlic & Onion: You can use fresh garlic if you prefer, but these are our preferred for this recipe.
• Salt: By using salt you enhance and balance all the flavors of the dish.
• Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a subtle herb flavor.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, granulated garlic, salt, and granulated onion. Mix well to combine.

Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the container and refrigerate to marinate for 1-2 hours.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dish, such as a green vegetable with rice or mashed potatoes.

What happens if you marinate chicken in lemon juice too long?

If chicken is marinated in lemon juice for too long, it can become mushy. We recommend marinating for about one to two hours to allow the chicken to fully absorb the flavors without compromising its texture. Citrus marinades should be kept short to avoid this issue.

Give the chicken space on the baking sheet to roast

Space the chicken thighs evenly on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisping. If it’s too close together the chicken will “steam” instead of roast and get a crispy skin that we’re looking to achieve.

For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

How long should chicken thighs rest before enjoying?

Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes. Letting the chicken rest helps retain its juices, making it juicer, more tender, and flavorful.

How do you store leftover chicken thighs?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.