Easy baked lemon chicken thighs recipe that is simple to make and uses a few simple ingredients. These lemon pepper chicken thighs are citrusy, tender inside, have crispy skin, and are packed full of flavor. They taste amazing and can be served with side dishes like fried potatoes, rice, and roasted vegetables. Let me show you how to make it.
In a small bowl, mix the lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic granules, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Brush the lemon seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs ensuring that the chicken thighs are well coated in the marinade.
Cover it and put it in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes.
Bring the chicken out and let it get to room temperature.
Arrange the lemon marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray then arrange the lemon slices in the tray.
Put the tray in the oven and bake lemon chicken for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue to bake it for another 20-25 minutes until cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 165F/75C.
Bring the tray out of the oven.Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes then serve.
Notes
Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels before seasoning so the seasoning isn't watered down and for crispy skin.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best but you can use bottled lemon juice if that's what you have.
If you have the time, let the chicken thighs marinate for 30 minutes before cooking.
Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking. Don't bake it from cold.
Don't undercook. Ensure the internal temperature is at least 165F at the thickest part.
Don't overcook as this can make the chicken dry out.
Cook at a high temperature of 400F or 425F.
When cooked, sprinkle some lemon pepper seasoning on the chicken for extra lemony flavor.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before you cut into it so the juice has time to redistribute inside.