Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken
A flavorful and healthy baked chicken dish infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken legs Juicy and tender, the star of this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Adds richness and helps crisp the skin.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon pepper seasonings Provides distinct zesty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice Brightens and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Balances flavors and enhances taste.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds a warm, aromatic quality.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional) Intensifies lemon flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Parsley (to garnish) Adds color and freshness.
- 2 slices Lemon wedges (to garnish) For an extra burst of lemon flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up during baking.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon pepper seasonings, fresh lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken legs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavor.
Cooking
- Arrange the marinated chicken legs in a baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle lemon zest over the chicken if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- Halfway through the cooking time, check the chicken and baste with pan juices to keep it moist.
Serving
- Remove the chicken from the oven once fully cooked and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and consider marinating the chicken overnight for added flavor. Cover the dish with foil during the first half of cooking for extra moisture.