Although I adore flavorful gourmet food occasionally, I prefer simply seasoned food for every day. I like how I can taste the ingredients, and it’s easier on my stomach. In my younger days, I could eat whatever I wanted with three glasses of cocktail and digest it with no problem. Nowadays, I can feel the aftermath almost every time I eat out – welcome to my 40s.
Thankfully, my kids- like many others- enjoy simple meals too. It’s easy to cook this way and great for repurposing leftovers. Try these spinach chicken rice balls if you have any leftovers.
But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s bland. There are a few steps you can take to make this simple but delicious lemon pepper chicken.
Season chicken ahead of time
Plan ahead and season the chicken 6 to 24 hours ahead of baking. It allows time for the salt to get absorbed into the chicken meat. Also, you can prep for a quick dinner by seasoning the chicken the night before.
Don’t overcook the chicken
Are you new to cooking chicken and worried if the chicken isn’t cooked through? When I first learned to cook, I was tempted to overcook the poultry to be safe. However, overcooked, dry chicken is just not worth it. I recommend getting a meat thermometer if you don’t have one in your kitchen. The thickest part of the chicken should register 165 F or above.
Serve with a flavorful side dish
If you want more flavor, serve lemon pepper chicken with a flavorful side dish or suace such as kimchi. My eldest loves kimchi and even rolls her chicken in kimchi juice.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
You can use the same process for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the sheet pan. Cook for 40 minutes at 400 F until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
Simple Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Simple doesn't mean it's bland. Simple but delicious lemon pepper chicken.
Ingredients
- 3 lb skinless and boneless chicken thighs
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp no-salt lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
Instructions
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Place oven rack in the middle and preheat to 425 F
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In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and olive oil. In a separate bowl, mix lemon pepper seasoning and salt.
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Brush the lemon juice/oil mixture on the chicken. Sprinkle with lemon pepper/salt seasoning. Turn and repeat until chicken thighs are seasoned on all sides.
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Place the chicken thighs on a parchment or foil-lined sheet pan.
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Bake for about 25 min or until chicken thighs are cooked through.
Recipe Notes
Plan ahead and season the chicken 6 to 24 hours ahead of baking. It allows time for the salt to get absorbed into the chicken meat. Also, you can prep for a quick dinner by seasoning the chicken the night before.
