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Crispy Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Thighs

crispy lemon pepper grilled chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with bright lemon and cracked black pepper, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, coarse black pepper, and salt.
  3. Toss the chicken thighs thoroughly in the mixture, coating both skin and underside.
  4. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes while preheating the pan.
  5. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without crowding; cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Flip the chicken using tongs and reduce heat to medium.
  8. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is firm but juicy.
  9. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is crucial for crispiness. Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Flip the chicken only once to keep the skin intact. Rest the chicken before serving to keep it juicy. For oven finish, sear skin-side down for 6 minutes then bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, lemon pepper chicken, grilled chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner/