Description
Juicy chicken legs and thighs seasoned with zesty lemon and cracked black pepper, then baked or roasted to crispy perfection. A flavorful and easy-to-make dish ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken legs and thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat under the skin as well.
- Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish, skin-side up.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours for deeper flavor.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 leg and 1 thigh
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, chicken thighs, chicken legs, oven baked, easy dinner