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Best Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe

Name: Best Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: bone-in skin-on chicken thighs 2 lbs; lemon 1 pieces; black pepper 2 tsp; kosher salt 1.5 tsp; olive oil 2 tbsp; garlic powder 1 tsp

Juicy lemon pepper chicken thighs deliver bold citrus flavor with a high protein punch perfect for weeknight dinners. This family-friendly chicken recipe works beautifully for meal prep and fits a calorie deficit plan.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 290 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #bariatric friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in skin-on chicken thighs 2 lbs
lemon 1 pieces

Seasonings/Sauce

black pepper 2 tsp
kosher salt 1.5 tsp
olive oil 2 tbsp
garlic powder 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 5 g 7%

Protein 29 g 40%

Fat 16 g 53%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels for crisp skin.
2

Season both sides of chicken thighs evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken thighs skin-side down.
4

Cook for 7–8 minutes without moving, maintaining medium-high heat to render fat and achieve deep golden color.
5

Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, squeeze fresh lemon juice over, cover, and cook for 10–12 more minutes until juices run clear and chicken reaches 175°F internal temperature.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs are the star ingredient. They provide juicy texture, rich flavor, and the protein base for the dish, while the combination of lemon, black pepper, and olive oil delivers bold citrus and spice notes.

Q. What is the most important cooking technique?

Searing the chicken thighs skin-side down over medium-high heat until golden brown is essential. This step renders fat, ensures crisp skin, and locks in juices before finishing on lower heat for perfect doneness.

Q. How do I prevent dry or undercooked chicken?

Patting the chicken dry before cooking and controlling heat—starting hot for crisp skin, then lowering to finish—help prevent dryness and ensure the thighs reach the safe internal temperature of 175°F without overcooking.

Q. How many calories, and what is the protein-to-carb ratio?

Each 180g serving delivers about 290 kcal, with 29g protein and 5g carbohydrate. Protein accounts for 40% of calories, carbs just 7%, making the recipe a high-protein, low-carb option suitable for calorie awareness and meal prep.

Best Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe

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