The aroma of Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs wafts through the kitchen, tickling your senses and promising a delightful culinary experience. Juicy chicken thighs, bursting with zest and flavor, create an irresistible dish that can elevate any dinner table with minimal effort. savory chicken linguine pairing
Remember the first time you smelled grilled chicken sizzling on a summer evening? That nostalgic feeling floods back when you dive into this recipe. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal, these lemon pepper chicken thighs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. cozy stuffed pepper soup stuffed flank steak option.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The bright flavors shine through every bite, creating a mouthwatering experience
- The golden-brown presentation makes this dish visually stunning on any plate
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides, you can customize it to fit any occasion
Sharing this dish at my last family gathering had everyone fighting over the last piece, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at their enthusiasm.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Choose skin-on thighs for extra flavor and crispy skin; they stay juicy during cooking. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe.
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Fresh Lemons: Opt for bright yellow lemons; their juice and zest provide the essential tangy flavor. For more inspiration, check out this lemon cheesecake squares recipe.
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Peppercorns: Use freshly cracked black pepper for a robust spiciness that brings everything together.
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds depth without overwhelming the dish’s brightness.
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Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps achieve that crispy skin.
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Salt: Simple table salt will do; season generously to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and tools, ensuring everything is fresh and ready for action. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you prepare the chicken thighs.
Season the Chicken: Pat dry each chicken thigh with paper towels. This step ensures that they crisp up nicely in the oven. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, garlic powder, and crushed peppercorns to create a zesty marinade.
Marinate for Flavor: Coat each thigh generously with the marinade. Let them soak up those flavors while you sip on some lemonade and envision your culinary triumph.
Arrange and Roast: Place the marinated thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop that golden-brown appearance.
Savor the Sizzle!: As they roast, your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas. When done, let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving—they need time to relax after their hot oven workout!
Serve and Enjoy!: Present your beautiful lemon pepper chicken thighs on a platter with lemon wedges for garnish. Serve alongside rice or roasted veggies to complete your meal.
Now that you’ve mastered these Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, get ready to impress friends and family alike! Grab your apron—dinner is about to get delightfully zesty! guilt-free creamy mashed potatoes.
You Must Know
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs bring a burst of flavor to any dinner
- Their zesty aroma fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist
- This dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. Sear them skin-side down in a hot skillet, then finish cooking in the oven for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon with lime or add garlic for an extra flavor kick! Customize the spices according to your taste; paprika adds a fantastic depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that delicious crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, always use fresh lemon juice; it enhances flavor immensely
- Letting the chicken rest before serving ensures juiciness
- Finally, using a meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked, tender chicken every time
The first time I made Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! I think they still ask for the recipe whenever we gather.
FAQ
How long should I marinate Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs?
Marinate them for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors effectively.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs.
What side dishes pair well with Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs?
Consider serving with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that infuses your dinner table with zesty flavor. Juicy, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice and pepper, then roasted to golden perfection. This recipe is not only perfect for family dinners but also impresses guests without much hassle. Serve alongside rice or roasted veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken thigh generously with the marinade; let soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Place thighs skin-side up on a lined baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they are golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 3.75 oz/106g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
