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Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, zesty baked chicken thighs with lemon pepper seasoning that delivers bright, tangy flavor and perfectly crisp skin without frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: fresh chopped parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Rub some seasoning under the skin if possible.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not touching.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 20 minutes for golden brown, crispy skin.
  7. Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each thigh.
  8. Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C internal temperature) or cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin. Using a wire rack helps air circulate and crisp the skin evenly. Adding fresh lemon juice after baking prevents soggy skin. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if needed. For extra crispiness, broil briefly at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat best in the oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, zesty chicken, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-baked-lemon-pepper-chicken-thighs-easy-zesty-flavor-recipe/