Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs and Thighs Recipe for Dinner

Crispy, golden lemon pepper chicken legs burst with zesty flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

Marinating these succulent pieces ensures maximum taste absorption and tenderness.

Spices blend beautifully to create a mouthwatering dish anyone can master.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this straightforward yet impressive recipe.

Aromas of citrus and black pepper will fill your kitchen with irresistible anticipation.

You won’t believe how easily these chicken legs transform into a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will request again and again.

Flavorful Variations of Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs

• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add red pepper flakes and orange zest to the seasoning mix for a fiery, tangy flavor profile that elevates the classic lemon pepper chicken.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary with lemon pepper seasoning to create a Mediterranean-inspired herb-infused chicken dish.
• Smoky Maple Glaze: Brush the chicken with a mixture of maple syrup and smoked paprika during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a sweet and smoky caramelized finish.
• Asian-Inspired Marinade: Replace grapeseed oil with sesame oil and add soy sauce, ginger, and green onions to give the chicken an exciting Asian-inspired flavor transformation.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon pepper's tangy profile and cuts through the rich chicken flavors.
• Boost with Bright Mediterranean Salad: Create a fresh Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil to balance the chicken's robust seasoning and provide a light, refreshing side.
• Enhance with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Whip up smooth potatoes with roasted garlic and a touch of butter to absorb the lemon pepper's zesty notes and provide a comforting texture contrast.

Storing Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs and Thighs

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken will maintain quality for 2-3 months when frozen properly.

Preheat oven to 350F, place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What are the key seasonings used in this recipe?

The key seasonings include Kingsford Lemon Pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Badia Complete Seasoning, which create a flavorful and aromatic coating for the chicken.

• Why use grapeseed oil for coating the chicken?

Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and promotes even browning and crispy skin during baking.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C), which ensures the meat is safe to eat and fully cooked through.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs and Thighs Masterclass

• Craft Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with multiple seasonings, this recipe delivers a zesty punch that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal in minimal steps.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Excellent for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weekend meals where everyone craves something flavorful and satisfying without extensive cooking knowledge.
• Healthy Protein Option: Baked instead of fried, this chicken provides a nutritious protein source with crispy skin and bold seasonings that keep the dish both wholesome and exciting.

Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs and Thighs

• Chicken Legs, Chicken Thighs: Protein-rich main protein that creates a delicious and satisfying main dish for the recipe.

• Grapeseed Oil: Helps coat the chicken and promotes even browning and crispy skin.

• Kingsford Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Badia Complete Seasoning: Provides a complex and flavorful spice blend for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and aromatic layers to the overall seasoning profile.

• Garlic Butter: Adds richness and extra flavor when brushed on the cooked chicken.
• Kinders Lemon Pepper: Provides an additional sprinkle of zesty seasoning after cooking for enhanced taste.

How to Cook Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs and Thighs

Step 1: Ignite the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), preparing for a flavor-packed chicken adventure.

Step 2: Oil Up the Chicken

Lovingly coat each chicken leg and thigh with smooth grapeseed oil, ensuring every surface gets a shiny, delicious protective layer.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Magic Seasoning

• Kingsford Lemon Pepper seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Badia Complete Seasoning

Massage these spices into the chicken, making sure every inch is covered with zesty goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet or dish, then slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it sizzle and cook uncovered for 70-75 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the skin turns irresistibly crispy.

Step 5: Finish with Buttery Brilliance

Once baked, brush the chicken with luxurious garlic butter and sprinkle an extra layer of Kinders Lemon Pepper for a final flavor punch.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate the golden, aromatic chicken and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Every Time

• Pat chicken legs and thighs dry with paper towels before oiling to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adhesion.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones for accurate reading.
• Apply dry seasonings generously and evenly, gently pressing them into the chicken skin to enhance flavor penetration.
• Brush garlic butter during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning while adding rich, aromatic flavor.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs And Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon pepper chicken legs and thighs deliver a flavor explosion that dances across palates with Mediterranean-inspired charm. Crispy skin, tangy seasoning, and juicy meat create a simple yet irresistible dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken legs (or thighs)

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Kingsford Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Badia Complete Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Kinders Lemon Pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) grapeseed oil (or any cooking oil)
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) garlic butter (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 375F (190C) to ensure optimal cooking environment for chicken.
2. Thoroughly massage grapeseed oil across chicken legs and thighs, creating a protective flavor-absorbing layer.
3. Generously distribute Kingsford Lemon Pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Badia Complete Seasoning evenly over entire chicken surface for robust, multilayered taste profile.
4. Arrange seasoned chicken pieces on baking sheet, ensuring minimal overlap to promote uniform heat circulation and crispy exterior development.
5. Roast uncovered for 70-75 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until chicken reaches precise 165F (74C) mark, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
6. Remove from oven and immediately brush with rich garlic butter, enhancing moisture and adding luxurious depth.
7. Sprinkle additional Kinders Lemon Pepper across surface for final flavor enhancement and aromatic finish.
8. Transfer to serving platter, allowing chicken to rest momentarily before presenting hot and inviting.

Notes

• Ensure chicken skin is patted dry before coating with oil to achieve maximum crispiness and help seasonings adhere better.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting and prevent golden-brown skin development.
• For low-carb or keto diets, this recipe is naturally compliant and provides high protein with minimal added ingredients.
• Swap grapeseed oil with avocado or olive oil for alternative healthy fat options that enhance flavor and nutritional profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg