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–+ servings

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Ines Kitchen
Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are the ultimate go-to for a hassle-free dinner tonight. Roasted on a single sheet pan in under an hour, this recipe keeps cleanup to a minimum while feeding the whole family. You get perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat seasoned with zesty lemon and cracked black pepper.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Sheet pan
  • Foil or parchment
  • Wire rack (optional)
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 3½ to 4 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme optional
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (optional)
  • Lemon slices for roasting (optional)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with foil. Place a rack on top if using and spray lightly with nonstick spray.
  • Pat chicken thighs dry very well, especially the skin.
  • In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
  • Arrange thighs skin-side up on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil and rub lightly to coat.
  • Sprinkle seasoning evenly over the thighs, pressing it into the skin so it sticks.
  • Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken. If using melted butter, drizzle it lightly over the skin for extra browning. Add lemon slices around the thighs if desired.
  • Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part (not touching bone).
  • Rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if you like.

Notes

For crispier skin, use a rack and avoid crowding the pan.
If the thighs are cooked through but the skin needs more color, broil 1 to 3 minutes, watching closely.
If using a salty lemon pepper seasoning blend, cut the added salt in half.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 22gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 650mg