These Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are seriously next level. They're juicy, zesty, and packed with flavour. They're ready in under 45 minutes, made with just a few simple pantry ingredients. You can bake them in the oven or toss them in the air fryer, they will be a new go-to roasted chicken recipe.
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This oven baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect addition to your weekly rotation. It's easy to make and always a showstopper when served to guests. Made with under 10 simple ingredients, and ready in less than an hour, this is the perfect roasted chicken recipe.
If you love this, then you need to check out my Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, Balsamic Chicken Breast, and Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts.
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
- chicken thighs
- lemons
- honey
- olive oil
- salt and black pepper
- mustard powder
- smoked paprika
- garlic powder
- red chili flakes
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
- large bowl or container
- tongs
- air fryer (if using)
- lemon press
- baking tray (if using)
How to make lemon pepper chicken
Top Tips
- Pat Dry: The best way to achieve extra crispy skin is to thoroughly pat dry the chicken thighs before coating. This step ensures a juicy meal with perfectly crispy skin.
- Broil at the Last 2 Minutes: For a nice char on the top of the chicken and extra crispy skin, broil for the last couple of minutes of the cooking process. It's the only thing you need for that finishing touch.
How to store and reheat
To store the leftover chicken, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven or air fryer to medium heat at 350 degrees F. Reheat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
How to serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
As a busy mom, I tend to keep things simple for dinner and stick to a protein, side, and salad or roasted vegetables. Here are some ideas for these baked chicken thighs:
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Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, black pepper, red chili flakes, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder and salt.
- Toss the chicken thighs until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the lemon slices on and around the chicken thighs. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Broil on high at the last 2 minutes of cooking to get a nice crispy skin and char.
- Let it rest before serving.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Place the lemon slices on and around the chicken thighs. Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.
- Broil on high at the last 2 minutes of cooking to get a nice crispy skin and char.
- Let it rest before serving.
Notes
Bake in the oven for 50 minutes, and flip halfway. Broil for 3 minutes to get a nice crust.
Audrey says
I’m always looking for new & different recipes and this was a treasure of a find! So delicious. I find that a lot of lemon/honey recipes are either too sweet or too sour. I love that this recipe is so perfectly balanced, which produces a delightful blend of flavours. Since it requires only 3 tablespoons of honey, it is a great recipe for anyone watching sugar in their diet. The only swap I made was a ¼ of a teaspoon of cayenne for the red pepper flakes. Turned out just like your picture too, Carmen! Cooked 6 good sized thighs in my beloved Ninja Foodi Megazone. I think that it would also be mind-blowing on an outside grill. Thank you, Carmen, for sharing this memorable recipe and for your fantastic website. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!!!
Mariah V says
12/10 ❤️
Frank E says
unbelievable 😍
Grace says
Commonly i eat orange chicken, this is my first time its very diff yet delicious. 😊
Esther T says
I thought this recipe is new cause i didn't saw it before, another chicken to try this month hehe thanks
Helen Howe says
Cooked this in the air fryer and it was so juciy!! Crazy amount of flavor, this is a MUST make.
Carmen says
Thanks Helen!