This will be the best Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs you will ever taste! It is so easy and super delicious, perfect for busy weeknights. This can be air fried or baked in the oven, making it one of your favorite chicken recipes.
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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 simple ingredients, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for feeding the whole family.
If you love this, then you need to check out my Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, Balsamic Chicken Breast, and Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts.
Why you will love this recipe
- This lemon pepper chicken recipe is so simple and delicious that you’ll never want to make it any other way!
- Skip the oil and save on calories! Air fryers use little to no oil, but you’re still left with crispy, flavorful chicken without the added fat.
- Whip this up without too much effort. Just combine all the ingredients, air fry, or bake.
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
- chicken thighs
- lemons
- honey
- olive oil
- salt and black pepper
- mustard powder
- paprika
- garlic powder
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
- large bowl or container
- tongs
- air fryer (if using)
- knife
- cutting board
- baking tray (if using)
How to make lemon pepper chicken
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Toss the chicken thighs until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
Oven-Baked Method:
- 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.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Fry the Chicken: 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.
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.
- Check Doneness: For perfectly cooked dark meat, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Serve with a side of rice for a complete meal.
How to store and reheat lemon pepper chicken thighs
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.
FAQs
What does lemon juice do to chicken?
Lemon juice tenderizes the meat, resulting in tender chicken thighs. It also adds a bright, tangy taste that enhances the peppery flavor.
How to get more flavor in chicken thighs?
Marinate with herbs, spices, and lemon juice for deeper flavor. During cooking time, baste with an extra sauce made from pan drippings. These cooking methods enhance the taste.
When to add lemon to chicken?
Add lemon juice during marination for tenderizing and flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon over the crispy chicken thighs after cooking for a zesty finish. This is a great way to add a fresh, citrusy note to this easy dish for a weeknight dinner.
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 (name of recipe):
- Serve with rice and a side of Garlic Braised Kale.
- Pair with Garlic Fried Rice.
- Also, serve this with Asian Coleslaw as a refreshing side salad.
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Air Fryer
This will be the best Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs you will ever taste. It is so easy and delicious, you can air fry or bake in the oven. This is the perfect weekly roasted chicken thigh dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 chicken thighs 1x
- Category: main
- Method: air fry or bake
- Cuisine: asian
Ingredients
8 chicken thighs
zest of 2 lemons
2 lemons (juice of 1 lemon, cut the other lemon into slices)
3 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ tsp salt
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Toss the chicken thighs until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
Oven-Baked Method:
- 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.
Air Fryer Method:
- 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
Don't have an air fryer?
Bake in the oven for 50 minutes, and flip halfway. Broil for 3 minutes to get a nice crust.
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!