Name: Super Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp salt (optional, based on seasoning); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Super easy lemon pepper chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, these crispy-skinned thighs come out bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a peppery kick. Whether I roast them in the oven or cook them on the stovetop, they always come out tender and full of bold, bright flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and foolproof this recipe is. The lemon pepper seasoning gives the chicken so much flavor with zero effort, and chicken thighs stay moist and juicy every time. It’s a one-pan kind of meal that works great with any sides—rice, potatoes, salads, or even roasted veggies. And best of all, it uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. Super Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Olive oil
Lemon pepper seasoning
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt (optional, depending on the seasoning mix)
Fresh lemon juice (optional for extra brightness)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat if cooking stovetop.
I pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
In a small bowl, I mix the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt if needed.
I drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, getting under the skin if possible.
For oven-roasting:
- I place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet.
- I roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For stovetop:
- I sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in a hot, oiled skillet for about 7–8 minutes until golden brown.
- I flip them and cook for another 6–8 minutes, covering the skillet to finish cooking through.
I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving and garnish with chopped parsley if I want a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or throw in some lemon slices to roast alongside the chicken. I’ve also used boneless thighs for a quicker version—just reduce the cooking time slightly. If I’m meal prepping, I double the batch and use the leftovers in salads or wraps.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the skin crispy, or microwave in 30-second bursts if I’m in a hurry. The chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed. Super Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, I use boneless thighs when I need a faster cook time. They’re just as juicy but cook in about 20–25 minutes.

What’s in lemon pepper seasoning?

It’s usually a mix of dried lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and garlic or onion powder. I sometimes make my own if I want a fresher taste.

Do I have to use skin-on chicken?

No, I can use skinless thighs, but the skin adds great texture and flavor. If I skip the skin, I reduce the cook time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.

Can I grill these instead?

Absolutely. I grill them over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all—lemon pepper is more tangy than spicy. If I want some heat, I add chili powder or red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Super easy lemon pepper chicken thighs are a go-to recipe I keep in rotation all year round. They’re packed with flavor, incredibly simple to prepare, and go with just about anything. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers every time with crispy skin, juicy meat, and loads of citrusy goodness.