Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs can be prepared with just a handful of simple ingredients and require less than 10 minutes of active preparation time. By baking the chicken thighs, you’ll achieve juicy meat enveloped in a delightfully crispy skin. Join me as I guide you through the steps, complete with valuable tips and images to help make this enticing dish simple. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this easy, delectable recipe!
If you’re searching for a tasty and wholesome option that’s low in carbs, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, look no further than oven-baked lemon pepper chicken thighs!
This recipe highlights succulent chicken thighs that are richly flavored with zesty lemon pepper, making it a tasty dish that’s simple to whip up.
Your family members, even those who aren’t focused on their carb intake, will appreciate the fresh and lively flavors packed into this dish!
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create lemon pepper thighs that are not only delicious but also suitable for various dietary preferences!
Ingredients
- Lemon Pepper: A seasoning blend that consists of lemon zest, pepper, and other spices, readily available in the spice aisles of most grocery stores. In the absence of lemon pepper, a mix of black pepper and lemon zest will work.
- Italian Seasoning: This seasoning mix includes popular Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. A jar of this blend can often be found in my kitchen; however, you can create your own if preferred. Alternatively, consider a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried parsley.
- Sea Salt: Aim for a teaspoon per pound of meat, using either fine or kosher salt.
- Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended, although other cuts such as boneless chicken can also be used. Ensure that you adjust the cooking time as necessary and utilize an instant-read thermometer to check that the meat has reached 165° F.
- Oil: Both avocado and olive oil are excellent choices.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is the best option; I also enjoy garnishing with lemon slices.
Step by Step
For detailed measurements and the full recipe, please refer to the recipe card located at the end of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Great low-carb side dishes to complement this lemon pepper chicken thigh recipe include keto Brussels sprouts, keto Greek salad, cabbage noodles, and air-fried green beans.
FAQs
How long can I marinate lemon pepper chicken?
Due to the citrus in the marinade, it is best marinated for just 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This precaution prevents the lemon from breaking down the chicken’s proteins, ensuring the meat remains firm.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken for this recipe?
Certainly! Boneless skinless chicken can be substituted for this recipe. Just monitor the cooking time, as it will be shorter than for bone-in cuts. Make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe in advance?
If you aim to make it ahead of time for more than 2 hours, refrain from adding the lemon juice until just before cooking.
Tools
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- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Instant-read thermometer
More Chicken Recipes to Explore
Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe takes just a few simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep. Baked in the oven, you’ll achieve tender meat with a crispy exterior. This blog post outlines a step-by-step guide along with many helpful images and tips to make this delicious dish a reality. Prepare to dazzle your friends and family with this easy yet mouthwatering recipe!
Servings: 8
Calories: 313.64kcal
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 2 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
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Mix the lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl and sprinkle over both sides of the chicken.
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Transfer the seasoned chicken thighs into a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
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Drizzle the oil and lemon juice over the chicken.
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If possible, let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
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Preheat your oven to 400° F.
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Bake the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165° F, checked using an instant-read thermometer.
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If you desire crispier skin, broil the chicken for a few additional minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 313.64kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.21g | Protein: 19.68g | Fat: 25.31g | Saturated Fat: 5.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.64g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11.63g | Trans Fat: 0.12g | Cholesterol: 118.08mg | Sodium: 819.74mg | Potassium: 264.13mg | Fiber: 0.31g | Sugar: 0.11g | Vitamin A: 102.56IU | Vitamin C: 1.46mg | Calcium: 17.63mg | Iron: 0.98mg