– **Title**: Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and dried oregano (if using) to create a marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a cast-iron skillet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot, alongside your favorite sides.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe. They stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor. If you’re out, feel free to use vegetable oil or avocado oil. Just remember, the taste will vary slightly.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for brightness. If you can’t get fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh truly makes a difference!
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This is a key flavor element. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own with black pepper and dried lemon zest. For a twist, try adding a bit of dried dill or basil.
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, just lacking the smokiness. You can also try a pinch of cayenne for a little heat!
How Do I Marinate Chicken Effectively?
Marinating chicken helps it soak up flavors and stay tender. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Coat the chicken well, using your hands for the best coverage.
- Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Avoid going longer than that to prevent mushiness.
- Always be sure to discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken to stay safe!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Including marinating time, set aside about 1 hour if you’re letting it marinate for 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, you need to get your oven warming up. Set it to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready for cooking your chicken thighs!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—this will be the tasty marinade to flavor your chicken.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands (make sure they’re clean!), coat each chicken piece evenly so they’re covered in all those yummy flavors. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes on the counter, or for even more flavor, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Once marinated, place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken to keep it moist while cooking.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Now, slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want the skin to be golden and crispy—so good!
6. Add Lemon Slices:
If you want to elevate the flavor and look of your dish, during the last 10 minutes of cooking, place lemon slices on top of the chicken. They’ll add a lovely citrus aroma and make for a beautiful presentation!
7. Rest and Garnish:
When your chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a vibrant touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious lemon pepper chicken thighs with your favorite sides—maybe some veggies or rice. Enjoy your flavorful dinner!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, just reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Make sure they also reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. The boneless option won’t have as crispy a skin, but you’ll still enjoy the delicious flavors!
What If I Don’t Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own by combining 1 teaspoon of black pepper with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a pinch of salt. If you have additional herbs like thyme or oregano, feel free to add those for extra flavor!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance the flavors! Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator while marinating. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will infuse into the chicken.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, to keep the skin crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave for a quicker option, though it may not retain the crispiness as well!
