Tender and juicy, this Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken will take all of your favorite cuts of poultry to the next level! You’ll love the homemade spice blend that gives your chicken a fantastically savory flavor with a hint of citrusy tang.
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This lemon pepper chicken comes together in minutes and the cooking is hands-off, which makes it a fantastic choice for easy weeknight dinners!
Why This Recipe Works
Simple and reliable, this baked chicken dish comes complete with a homemade spice rub. With a combination of classic savory flavors and a twist of lemon for some zest, you’ll love this mouthwateringly tender chicken!
It’s so easy to bake in the oven and requires very little prep. Pair this chicken with your favorite side dishes and healthy veggies for the perfect meal.
And if you love this flavor profile, try this Lemon Herb Chicken with Parmesan Asparagus, Skillet Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce, or a super tasty Slow Cooker Lemon Honey Chicken and Vegetables.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: Chicken thighs and chicken legs both work great, and you can even bake them at the same time!
- Seasonings: The homemade spice blend for this recipe combines lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to taste.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and gives each piece a nice crispy and golden brown exterior.
- Lemon: You’ll need both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
How to Make this Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the spice blend.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, toss the pieces of chicken with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Step 3: Add the seasoning blend to the bowl with the chicken and toss until evenly and completely coated.
- Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet or baking dish and bake!
Recipe Tips
- If you’re not sure when your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer or other digital thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Another indication is that the juices run clear and the interior of the chicken is no longer pink.
- For easier cleanup, line your baking tray with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a silicon baking mat.
- You can use bottled lemon juice, but freshly squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days or the freezer for a month or so. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before serving to prevent excess moisture.
