Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs! Marinated in a bright lemon and pepper blend, these juicy chicken thighs are baked to crispy perfection for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is a go-to for family favorites and easy meal prep.

Anna Johnson

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-10-25T13:25:37.777Z

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Instructions

Prepare Marinated Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or rice.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs! Marinated in a bright lemon and pepper blend, these juicy chicken thighs are baked to crispy perfection for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is a go-to for family favorites and easy meal prep.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration35 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Anna Johnson

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. Juice of 1 lemon
  4. 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  5. 1 teaspoon black pepper
  6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. Salt to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

Step 03

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or rice.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g