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Home » Course » Dinner » Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Published: Mar 20, 2023 by Veronika's Kitchen * This post may contain affiliate links

Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy and tender chicken thighs are marinated with a zesty blend of lemon, black pepper, and herbs, making a delicious and aromatic meal that your family and guests will love. This easy recipe requires just and few simple ingredients and will be a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Bone-in Skin-on chicken thighs with seared lemon slices on a plate.

If you are looking for a simple dinner recipe that’s easy to make, try these amazing Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. They are marinated in aromatic blend of lemon zest, juice, black pepper, herbs, and olive oil.

The whole prepping takes not more than 10-15 minutes and you can make it a day before and let it marinate in the fridge until ready to use.

Ingredients and Substitution

  • Chicken. In this recipe, I use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. They provide a perfect crispy skin, while staying juicy and tender inside.
  • Lemon. Fresh lemon zest and lemon juice is a must! It brings up bright zesty aroma to the whole dish.
  • Black pepper. I prefer to use freshly ground black pepper, as it has more flavor. But if you only have regular black pepper, it will work as well.
  • Seasoning. I love using onion and garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This is a classic blend that provides great flavor and aroma to the dish.
Ingredients to make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.

How to make it

In a small bowl, add together ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Whisk and set aside.

Process photos pf mixing marinade ingredients in a bowl with a spoon.

In a large zip-lock bag, add bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and the marinade. Close the bag and shake well to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Chicken thighs with marinade in a gallon size zip lock bag.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400F.

Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Bake at 400F for about 40-45 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reached 165F.

Chicken thighs on a baking sheet with a wire rack before and after baking.

Tips for best results

  • Pat dry the chicken. It’s important to thoroughly pat dry the meat before marinating to remove any extra liquids This will help the meat and the skin to get crispy while baking.
  • Marinade. While you can marinate the meat for as quick as 1 hour, the longer you marinate it the more flavor the meat will absorb. This is why I prefer to prep everything a night before or in the morning and marinate for at least 12 hours before cooking.
  • Easier clean up. When baking, I like to line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier clean up after the meat is cooked.
  • Let the chicken rest. After it’s cooked, take the meat out of the oven and let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes. It will allow the juices to redistribute, that will results in a more flavorful and tender chicken.

What to serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Vegetables are always a great idea to serve with chicken. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

  • Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
  • Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
  • Green Beans Amandine
  • Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan

If you are hungry for more filling side dishes, you might like these ones:

  • Pea and Asparagus Risotto
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Instant Pot Mexican Rice
  • Gruyere Potatoes Au Gratin
  • Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

If you want a lighter and healthier meal, you might want to pair the meat with some salad, like:

  • Orzo Salad with Feta
  • Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
  • Farro Salad with Feta
  • Roasted Beet Salad
  • BLT Pasta Salad
Bone-in Skin-on chicken thighs with seared lemon slices on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to know if the chicken is cooked through?

The easiest way to make sure that the chicken is cooked through and is safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it in the center of the meat, the temperature should read at least 165F.

Can I use different type of chicken?

Yes, you can use pretty much any type of chicken. The only difference it will be is cooking time.
Chicken drumsticks – Bake for 40-45 minutes at 400F.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400F.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400F.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?

Yes. The longer you marinate the chicken the more flavor it will have.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! You can easily double the amount of meat and the marinade.

How to store?

You can sore it in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.

Bone-in Skin-on chicken thighs with seared lemon slices on a plate.

More Chicken Recipes Ideas:

  • Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
  • BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
  • Lemon Chicken Orzo Recipe
  • Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
  • Oven Baked Chicken Legs
  • Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake
  • Cast Iron Chicken Breast
  • Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
  • Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
  • Chicken Broccoli Ziti
Bone-in Skin-on chicken thighs with seared lemon slices on a plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy and tender chicken thighs are marinated with a zesty blend of lemon, black pepper, and herbs, making a delicious and aromatic meal that your family and guests will love. This easy recipe requires just and few simple ingredients and will be a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time55 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 chicken thighs
Calories: 384kcal
Author: Veronika’s Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 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

  • In a small bowl, add together ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Whisk and set aside.
  • In a large zip-lock bag, add bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and the marinade. Close the bag and shake well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400F.
  • Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Bake at 400F for about 40-45 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reached 165F.

Notes

  • Pat dry the chicken. It’s important to thoroughly pat dry the meat before marinating to remove any extra liquids This will help the meat and the skin to get crispy while baking.
  • Marinade. While you can marinate the meat for as quick as 1 hour, the longer you marinate it the more flavor the meat will absorb. This is why I prefer to prep everything a night before or in the morning and marinate for at least 12 hours before cooking.
  • Easier clean up. When baking, I like to line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier clean up after the meat is cooked.
  • Let the chicken rest. After it’s cooked, take the meat out of the oven and let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes. It will allow the juices to redistribute, that will results in a more flavorful and tender chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram; be sure to tag me @veronikaskitchen.

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  • Baked diced chicken breast, sweet potatoes, broccoli, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet topped with grated Parmesan cheese and herbs.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jordan says

    April 10, 2023 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    Oven baked chicken is the only way I go at this point in my life. Can’t wait to try the lemon pepper seasoning on this! Perfect for dinner this week.

    Reply
  2. Laura Arteaga says

    April 10, 2023 at 3:21 am

    5 stars
    Loved the combination of lemon and Italian seasoning. The flavor was really delicious!

    Reply
  3. Dee says

    April 09, 2023 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    I love lemon pepper wings and tenders but never thought to try it on thighs. Can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
  4. Ramona says

    April 09, 2023 at 5:52 pm

    5 stars
    I am really craving this recipe now, the chicken looks so crispy and delicious and also super flavoursome! I cant wait to make this, thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    April 07, 2023 at 9:45 am

    5 stars
    My family loves dark meat and chicken thighs are their favorite. These are delicious! Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Mikayla says

    April 06, 2023 at 11:15 pm

    5 stars
    Such a great recipe, simple to throw together, the intense lemon and pepper flavor makes this recipe easy to share over and over.

    Reply
  7. Ann says

    April 05, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    5 stars
    I love lemon pepper seasoning. I find myself only using it with fish, so excited to give the chicken a try!

    Reply
  8. Marta says

    April 03, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    5 stars
    Chicken thighs are my favorite cut of the chicken and lemon-pepper is my favorite flavor for wings. You’ve managed to combine two of my loves into one easy, absolutely delicious recipe.

    Reply
  9. Gloria says

    April 03, 2023 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    Chicken thighs are the best part of the bird. The simple lemon pepper seasoning is delicious. Great for dinner any night of the week.

    Reply

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