Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs in 50 Minutes

Name: Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs in 50 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt, to taste (optional); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest; Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

by basmer

1 de December de 2025

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Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a bold, juicy, and flavorful dish that brings a delightful taste to your dinner table. This recipe features crispy skin-on chicken thighs baked to perfection with zesty lemon and cracked black pepper. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, you’ve come to the right place. The combination of the lemony zing and peppery kick creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into the details of making these delicious chicken thighs!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

This dish is not just about flavor; it’s also about convenience and health. Here are six reasons why you will love making Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs:

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes only 50 minutes from start to finish.
Flavorful: The zesty lemon and cracked black pepper create a savory dish everyone will love.
Healthy: With only 290 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious option for your family.
Versatile: Enjoy these thighs with a variety of sides, including rice or roasted veggies.
Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making in batches for future meals!
Gluten-Free: Fits into many dietary restrictions, making it a crowd-pleaser.

When you combine all these elements, it’s clear why this is a go-to recipe for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Gather these items:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1.5 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste (optional)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt if needed.
Step 4: Place the chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet.
Step 5: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken.
Step 7: Garnish with lemon zest and parsley if desired before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the chicken skin is dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes with the seasoning for deeper flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Consider these serving ideas:

Pair with lemon pepper chicken thighs with rice for a filling meal.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a healthy side.
Top with fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

To store, place leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven for the best texture, or microwave for quick meals. This is an excellent option for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs?

The key to perfecting Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is ensuring the skin is crispy and well-seasoned. Using fresh lemon juice and quality lemon pepper seasoning enhances the flavor immensely.

Can I make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Lemon Pepper Chicken ahead of time by marinating the chicken and storing it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs?

To avoid mistakes, don’t skip drying the chicken before seasoning. This ensures a crispy skin. Also, monitor the cooking time closely to avoid drying the chicken out.

Variations of Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Try lemon garlic pepper chicken by adding minced garlic to the seasoning mix.
For a spicy twist, make spicy lemon pepper chicken by adding cayenne pepper.
Grill the thighs instead of baking for a delicious charred flavor with grilled lemon pepper chicken thighs.
For a healthy option, serve with lemon pepper chicken thighs with vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

These variations keep the dish exciting while maintaining its essence!

Delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs in 50 Minutes - Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making gingerbread cookies for a sweet treat. If you’re interested in meal prep, our slow cooker Korean beef is a fantastic option!

For more information on the health benefits of chicken, you can visit Healthline.