Description
Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are crispy roasted chicken thighs coated in bright citrus seasoning, garlic, and herbs. This easy comfort-style chicken dinner delivers juicy meat, golden skin, and bold lemon pepper flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 medium lemons (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a bowl whisk together olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or on the tray and coat them thoroughly with the lemon pepper marinade.
- Gently loosen the skin and rub a little marinade underneath for deeper flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin side up with space between each piece.
- Scatter fresh thyme around the pan for extra aroma.
- Roast in the oven for 35–40 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
- If desired, broil for the final 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Spoon pan juices over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley and extra lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin.
- You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Add roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or potatoes to the same pan for a complete meal.
- Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for best crispiness.
- Chicken thighs freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg