Description
These Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs and Thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with zesty lemon and pepper flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, and it pairs well with almost any side!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! spray.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken legs and thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy when baked.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if using), pepper, and salt.
-
Season the Chicken:
- Rub the lemon pepper seasoning mixture all over the chicken legs and thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. You can marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors absorb, but this step is optional.
-
Bake the Chicken:
- Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up, leaving space between the pieces for even cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. You can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to get an extra crispy skin.
-
Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Chicken Variation: You can use all chicken thighs or all chicken legs for this recipe, depending on your preference.
- For Extra Crispy Skin: If you like your chicken extra crispy, you can finish it off under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Marinate: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon pepper mixture for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Side Suggestions: These chicken legs and thighs go well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg