Description
A kid-friendly, forgiving chicken recipe featuring juicy bone-in thighs with crispy skin, seasoned with bright lemon and pepper. Perfect for involving children in the kitchen with simple, hands-on prep steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large lemon (zest of 1, juice of 1)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, depending on seasoning blend)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine lemon pepper seasoning, dried herbs, salt (if using), and lemon zest.
- Place chicken in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, getting under the skin if possible.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared sheet pan, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the thighs over.
- Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chicken thighs are forgiving and stay moist even if slightly overcooked. For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning. You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. If using an air fryer, cook at 390°F (200°C) for a similar time, ensuring a single layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 thighs per serving
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, kid-friendly recipes, chicken thighs, easy dinner, baking, family cooking, gluten-free option, dairy-free