Go Back
Lemon pepper chicken recipe card – high-protein dinner recipe from Flexible Feasts

Lemon Pepper Chicken

This Lemon Pepper Chicken is crispy, juicy, and packed with 32g of protein per serving. Made in the air fryer with simple seasonings, fresh lemon zest, and a quick marinate step for maximum flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinade Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken:
  • 3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Juice from half a lemon
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
Garnish
  • Fresh Cilantro

Directions
 

  1. Pat your chicken thighs with a paper towel and remove as much moisture as possible
  2. Add your chicken thighs to a large zip-lock bag or a large bowl
  3. Add avocado oil, seasonings, lemon zest and lemon juice.
  4. Close the bag and shake really well.
  5. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably at least 2 hours or longer.
  6. Take out an air fryer and preheat it on 380°F for 5 minutes.
  7. After it’s done preheating, place your chicken thighs in the air fryer.
  8. Cook on 380°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  9. Repeat this process for additional batches of chicken thighs if necessary
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Video

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.