This Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple yet bold dish that's perfect for any dinner table.
Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and cracked black pepper, then seared to golden perfection. The dish gets topped off with a quick pan sauce made from sautéed lemon slices and chicken stock, giving it a bright and savory kick.
Whether you use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, this recipe gives you tender and flavorful results every time. If you choose bone-in thighs with skin, you’ll get crispy skin that pairs perfectly with the citrusy sauce.
It’s an easy one pan recipe that feels fancy but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Serve it with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious pan sauce, and you’ll find yourself making this dish over and over!
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, check out our: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, Chicken Tortellini Soup or Easy Baked Chicken Thighs.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of lemon juice, zest and freshly cracked black pepper gives this dish a refreshing citrusy kick with just the right amount of spice. The pan sauce, made with sautéed lemons and chicken stock, ties everything together, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s anything but boring.
- Simple: This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner, using simple ingredients while delivering results that are impressive enough for guests. Marinating the chicken does most of the flavor work for you, while the quick pan sauce and golden sear add a professional touch without extra effort.
- Versatile: Whether you prefer boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, this recipe adapts to your needs. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies or a light salad to create a meal that works for any season or occasion. The zesty flavors complement a variety of sides, making it a reliable option that the whole family can enjoy in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy chicken recipe:
- Chicken thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone in, skin on chicken thighs, whichever you prefer. If using bone in chicken thighs, cook time may be a few minutes longer.
- Salt & black pepper: Use coarse cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- Lemon: You will be using fresh lemons for the juice, zest and slices for the sauce. Fresh lemon juice will always provide the best flavor.
- Garlic: Always use fresh garlic when you can! The flavor is much better than pre-chopped garlic.
- Olive oil: Regular Olive Oil, not extra virgin olive oil. You can also use canola oil or vegetable oil.
- Chicken stock: You could use chicken stock or chicken broth.
Directions
Let's make this easy recipe together!
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix everything together to coat the chicken well. Cover and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 2
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place chicken thighs, skin side down first if using skin-on thighs, and sear until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3
Add lemon slices to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Simmer the sauce until it slightly reduces.
Step 4
Place the sautéed lemon slices on top of the chicken and spoon the pan sauce over them. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make these crispy chicken thighs:
- Use a thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to confirm it’s fully cooked.
- Make ahead: Marinate the chicken earlier in the day or overnight to enhance the flavors even more.
- Complete the meal: Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce for an easy meal on busy weeknights.. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the lemony flavors perfectly.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this lemon chicken dinner. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large skillet: You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
- Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. This one is an instant thermometer that works great!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this lemon pepper chicken recipe.
- Chicken thighs: For a lighter option, use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time, as they will cook more quickly than thighs.
- Chicken stock: Swap chicken stock for white wine or a combination of both for a more robust, deeper flavor.
- Additions: For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan sauce after reducing the chicken stock. This will give the sauce a velvety finish. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pan while simmering the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this perfect weeknight dinner:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the marinade the night before. Simply mix all the ingredients together and coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld. This will help enhance the taste when you're ready to cook the chicken the next day.
While this recipe is best served fresh, you can make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its juiciness. The pan sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated when ready to serve.
Yes, you can make this recipe without a skillet by using a non-stick pan or an oven-safe dish. If you prefer, you can roast the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked, then make the pan sauce separately in a saucepan.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this lemon pepper chicken thigh recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Easy Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 8 lemon slices
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Combine the chicken thighs, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil in a large bowl. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 7-8 minutes, until golden brown. If using skin on chicken things, sear with the skin side down.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan. Add lemon slices to the pan and sauté for 3 minutes, until fragrant. Pour chicken stock over the lemon slices and scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly reduced.
- Top the chicken thighs with sautéed lemons and pan sauce and serve.
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