Description
This Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken One-Pan Recipe combines juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a bright lemon pepper seasoning and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick, wholesome meal, the chicken is cooked skin-on and bone-in to maximize flavor, while fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. All cooked together in one pan for convenience and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Seasoning
- 2 large Lemons, juiced
- 1 large Lemon, zested
- 2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup Favorite vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Mix lemon marinade: In a small bowl, combine the juice of 2 large lemons, lemon zest, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. This mixture will tenderize the chicken and add bright, zesty flavor.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the lemon mixture and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the lemon and garlic flavors.
- Heat the pan and brown chicken: Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil, then place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
- Flip chicken and add vegetables: Turn the chicken over and add your choice of vegetables to the pan. Pour any remaining lemon marinade over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook through: Lower the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let everything cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F) and vegetables are tender.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat and serve the lemon pepper chicken alongside the sautéed vegetables. Spoon some pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures more flavorful and juicy meat.
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or preference.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- The lemon zest adds concentrated citrus aroma—do not skip it for best flavor.
- For crispy skin, avoid moving the chicken too much during initial browning.
