Name: Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt; 2 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs require just a few simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of hands-on time. By baking the chicken thighs in the oven, you'll get perfectly cooked meat with a crispy skin. Follow along, and I’ll show you how to make this mouthwatering dish step-by-step, with plenty of helpful photos and tips along the way. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious recipe!

Overhead photo of a skillet with lemon pepper chicken thighs in it covered with sliced lemons.

If you're on the lookout for a delicious and healthy meal that's naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, oven-baked lemon pepper chicken thighs are a great choice!

This recipe features tender and juicy chicken thighs seasoned with zesty

lemon pepper, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish that's easy to prepare.

Even members of your family who aren't watching their carbs will love the fresh and tangy flavors of this dish!

So fire up the oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create lemon pepper thighs that are delicious and perfect for almost any diet!

Ingredients

Overhead photo of bone-in chicken thighs, lemon pepper, salt, lemon juice, and oil.

Lemon Pepper: Lemon pepper is a seasoning blend made with lemon zest, pepper, and other spices. You can find it in the spice aisle at most grocery stores. If you don’t have lemon pepper, try using black pepper and lemon zest.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs commonly used in Italian cooking, including oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. I keep a jar in my kitchen, but you can make it if you prefer. If you would like to use something different, try a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried parsley.
Sea Salt: Use a teaspoon of fine salt or kosher salt per pound of meat.
Chicken: I used bone-in chicken thighs, but you could use another cut or boneless chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use an instant-read thermometer to make sure that the meat reaches 165° F before serving.
Oil: Avocado or olive oil are great options.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best. I like to garnish with lemon slices as well.

Step by Step

For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

Lemon pepper seasoning and sale in a small dish. — First, combine the lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl.

Seasoned chicken thighs in a casserole dish. — Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs. Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet ready to bake. — Pour the oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken before baking it in an oven preheated to 400°F for 35-45 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

For extra crispiness, you can finish it off with a few minutes under the broiler.

Serving Suggestions

Some great low carb side dish options for serving with this lemon pepper chicken thigh recipe include keto Brussels sprouts, keto Greek salad, cabbage noodles, and air fryer green beans.

FAQs

How long can I marinate lemon pepper chicken?

Because we use citrus in the marinade, we recommend only marinating for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This will help to ensure that the lemon doesn't break down the proteins in the chicken and make it mushy.

Can I make this recipe with boneless skinless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken in this recipe. Just keep an eye on it as it cooks since the cooking time will be shorter than bone-in pieces of chicken. Make sure to use an instant read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

If you want to make this more than 2 hours ahead of time, leave off the lemon juice and add that just before cooking.

Tools

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Oven safe skillet or baking dish
Instant read thermometer

More Chicken Recipes to Try

Keto air fryer chicken wings are easy to make and loved by everyone! Give them a try, and you will be hooked.
With a perfect marinade and delicious cheesy topping, you will love this keto parmesan crusted chicken.
Party appetizer or main course? You decide! Either way, you will love these keto buffalo chicken meatballs.
Keto chicken piccata is special enough to make for company, but easy enough for a busy weeknight.

Photo of a cast iron skillet with cooked lemon pepper chicken thighs garnished with parsley and lemon sliced.

Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

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