- Chicken thighs (organic, free-range, or hormone-free)
- Rice (white or brown, preferably basmati or jasmine)
- Lemon zest (from 1 to 2 lemons, depending on preference)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed, about 3 tablespoons per chicken thigh)
- Garlic cloves (4 to 6, minced)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Pepper (black pepper, freshly ground)
- Salt (kosher or sea salt for enhanced flavor)
- Thyme (dried or fresh sprigs)
- Rosemary (dried or fresh leaves)
- Butter (unsalted, for added richness and flavor)
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- Include lemon-related terms such as "zest" and "juice" to emphasize the dish's freshness
- Use pepper and salt variations to cater to different tastes (e.g., freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt)
- Boost appeal with herbs like thyme and rosemary by specifying "dried or fresh"
- Incorporate butter for those seeking enhanced flavor profiles
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Steps
### Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs and Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Meal for Any Day
#### Introduction
Looking for a simple yet delicious meal that brings together the tangy flavors of lemon with the warmth of pepper? Try this baked lemon pepper chicken thighs and rice recipe! Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's both easy to make and packed with flavor. This dish is great for family dinners or as leftovers.
#### Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
#### Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
3. Place chicken thighs in the bowl and coat them well with the marinade.
**Step 2: Seasoning and Baking**
1. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they have enough space to cook evenly.
2. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
**Step 3: Cooking the Rice**
1. Rinse basmati rice in cold water, then drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil with salt.
3. Add rinsed rice and reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
**Step 4: Finishing Touches**
1. Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve the lemon pepper chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy basmati rice.
#### Tips and Variations
- For extra flavor, add sliced shallots or red bell peppers to the marinade before baking.
- Use any leftover chicken in salads or sandwiches for variety!
- Adjust seasoning levels based on personal taste preferences.
#### Conclusion
This baked lemon pepper chicken thighs and rice recipe is a perfect blend of savory and zesty flavors. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy your meal!