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Crispy Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

crispy sheet pan lemon pepper chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute recipe for perfectly crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a bright lemon pepper flavor, ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to heat for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the mixture, coating each piece thoroughly.
  5. Arrange the thighs skin-side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed sheet pan. If no wire rack is available, place them directly on a greased baking sheet with space between each piece.
  6. Optionally, add fresh herb sprigs around the chicken for aroma.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
  8. During the last 5 minutes, switch the oven to broil to crisp the skin further, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for extra crispiness. If skin isn’t crispy enough, pat dry again after marinating and refrigerate uncovered for 15-30 minutes before roasting. Use a wire rack for best results or flip chicken halfway through cooking if roasting directly on the pan. Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, sheet pan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-sheet-pan-lemon-pepper-chicken-thighs-easy-30-minute-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/