Dinner

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe

ByHugo Harnd December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

Introduction

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of zesty brightness and savory spices. This easy recipe creates juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that’s sure to become a family favorite. Marinate overnight for the best taste.

The image shows a close-up of golden brown baked chicken pieces in a white ceramic baking dish with visible herbs and seasonings. Each piece has a crispy, darkened skin layer with specks of black pepper and charred edges, while the meat beneath appears juicy and tender with a light pink color. Scattered roasted garlic cloves with a golden, slightly burnt surface are among the chicken pieces, soaked in a shiny, oily herb-infused sauce pooling at the bottom of the dish. The focus is on a spoon lifting one piece, showing the textured crispy skin on top and moist cooked chicken underneath, set against a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2-2.5 Pounds Chicken Thighs, bone in and skin on
2 Medium Lemons (one for zest & juice, one for garnish)
2 ½ Tablespoons Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest and juice from one lemon, 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Add the chicken thighs and massage the mixture evenly into the meat.
Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs side by side in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning over the top. Cover and refrigerate to marinate overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Add lemon slices from the second lemon on top of the chicken as garnish.
Step 4: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Step 5: Broil the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
Step 6: Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your flavorful lemon pepper chicken thighs!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, pat the chicken skin dry before marinating.
Use fresh lemon pepper seasoning or make your own by mixing cracked black pepper and lemon zest.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
If short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours instead of overnight.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to help maintain crispness. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.