Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious cut of meat that lend themselves well to a variety of flavor profiles. One recipe that never fails to impress is Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. In this blog post, we’ll explore this mouthwatering dish, complete with step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly crispy, lemony chicken thighs that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up in the oven. Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. Mix well to form a paste.
- Coat the Chicken: Using your hands or a brush, evenly coat the chicken thighs with the lemon pepper seasoning mixture, ensuring that each thigh is well coated on all sides.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken thighs are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful goodness of Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs!
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the lemon pepper seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with deliciousness.
- Grill Instead of Bake: If you prefer, you can grill the chicken thighs instead of baking them. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
- Add a Kick of Heat: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for some added spice. This will give your chicken thighs an extra kick and take the flavor profile to the next level.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. The bright, zesty flavors of the chicken thighs will complement a wide range of accompaniments.
- Make Extra for Leftovers: These chicken thighs are delicious reheated and can be enjoyed as leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken thighs in a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Get Creative with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative and customize the seasoning mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro for freshness, or experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, these crispy chicken thighs are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and unleash the zesty, savory flavors of lemon pepper chicken!
