Pic Credit: simply-delicious-food.com
Lemon pepper chicken thighs are the kind of dish that is full of flavor and lifts up the taste of any meal. The deliciousness of lemon combined with the hotness of black pepper provides such a zest which complements a number of side dishes. Be it any weeknight or any party, this recipe will be great in either case. Due to its succulent chicken thighs and quick cooking methods, you shall realize that this dish is also pleasing to the palate and quite effortless.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemons as well as chicken thighs. These have a high impact in improving the taste and the quality of the dish.
- Marinate properly: Besides 30 minutes, do not let the meat sit in the marinade for more than that and if it has to be done, the best results are obtained with overnight marinades in a refrigerator. The oils and lime enhances the color and taste of the meat.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F. It ensures that it is properly and safely cooked to be eaten.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When roasting or air frying, do not fill the oven trays or the air fryer baskets to full capacity. This permits adequate cooking, enabling the skin to turn crisp.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Chicken Thighs: A chicken thigh with bone and skin will be tastier and juicier than a boneless thigh. One can achieve crispy skin upon the cooking of thighs.
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Lemon Zest vs. Juice: The addition of lemon zest or lemon juice or both provides even more deliciousness. The zest is combined with oils that want to make a nice difference to the dish.
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Black Pepper: Use usable black pepper only for taste since it has strong flavor. Ground pepper does not taste as strong and has no bottle aroma.
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Olive Oil: Add extra virgin olive oil for the taste and richness of the dish but if you wish you can pass on the olive oil and use vegetable oil instead. The oil will also help to retain moisture within the chicken during the period of cooking.
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Garlic Powder: Mince garlic in place of garlic powder if a more natural taste is what you are looking for. The proper amount of Fresh garlic can make a big difference in the smell of the dish.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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In a mixing bowl, add olive oil, lemon zest, and juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Then stir the mixture and combine all the ingredients.
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In a large reseal able plastic bag or in a shallow bowl pour the chicken thighs. Make sure every piece of the chicken is covered with the marinade. Pour and seal the bag or use a plastic wrap to cover the bowl. Leave in the refrigerator in for at least 30 minutes or better for the whole night.
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For oven users, set the temperature to 200 degrees centigrade or its 400 degrees Fahrenheit with no changes. The same temperature is used for airpros.
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Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off all the excess marinade clinging to the chicken. Otherwise arrange the thighs one after another and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet or straight in the air frying basket.
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For oven cooking, the chicken is baked for about 25-30 minutes or in a case whereby the skin turns brown and crispy.
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While for air frying, it has to be between 20-25minutes with some flipping done midway for thorough crispiness.
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A meat thermometer is used to ensure that the food temperature has reached a minimum of 75degrees C. The internal temperature should never be colder than this temperature.
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After cooking, take off the stove and allow it to stand for about 5 minutes before serving. You may want to sprinkle over some parsley for decorative purposes.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick of heat that complements the citrus flavors beautifully.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary in addition to or instead of parsley for added flavor complexity.
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Grill Option: For a smoky flavor profile, consider grilling marinated chicken thighs over medium heat instead of baking or air frying.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
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Storage Tips: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat gently before serving.
EQUIPMENT
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
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Baking sheet or air fryer basket
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Meat thermometer
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
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Serve lemon pepper chicken thighs hot from the oven or air fryer for optimal taste.
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Pair with sides like steamed rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a light salad to complement the flavors of lemon and pepper.
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Drizzle additional lemon juice over each serving for an extra burst of citrus freshness that enhances flavor.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but also provides a hint of freshness that balances well with rich flavors.
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Consider serving with a light dipping sauce like yogurt-based tzatziki or a simple vinaigrette to add creaminess and contrast flavors.
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful meal, check out this easy Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole recipe.
