Description
This Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a zesty lemon and pepper marinade. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, the chicken is marinated, then baked to crispy, tender perfection at 400°F. The bright lemon zest and juice combined with classic seasonings create a balanced and savory taste that pairs well with various sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade & Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended and set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bone-in skin-on chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and shake well to evenly coat each piece with the seasoning mixture.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure even baking and crispy skin.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack to allow air circulation beneath for crispy skin. Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is cooked through.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps achieve crispier skin by allowing air to circulate under the chicken.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for best results.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American