Description
Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken with a zesty citrus flavor and crispy skin. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it’s quick, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Lemon slices and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill.
2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, lemon zest, and black pepper.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub to coat evenly.
6. Place chicken on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet.
7. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or grill over medium heat for 20-25 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken.
9. Remove chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
10. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Marinate chicken in lemon juice and olive oil for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or a whole chicken, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
Serve with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking for extra crispy skin.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg