Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Delicious and zesty Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Thighs, perfectly seasoned and oven-baked to juicy perfection. This easy recipe combines tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and bold spices for a flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and ideal for a healthy dinner.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Chicken
- 2.5 Pounds Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts
Marinade
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place the pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice to create a bright and flavorful marinade.
- Coat Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, massaging the marinade in to coat thoroughly.
- Mix Seasonings: In another small bowl, combine lemon pepper seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika, stirring well.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the mixed seasonings evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring all sides are well covered for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry helps the marinade adhere better and ensures a crispier exterior.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred; adjust baking time accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra zest, add freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated lemon zest before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 5 oz chicken)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Baked Chicken Thighs, Easy Chicken Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Oven Baked Chicken