Lemon Pepper Chicken

This Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is for you! Although yogurt is not a secret ingredient to us, or in cultures such as India, Middle East, and certain European countries, it is a secret ingredient to a lot of other people around the world. Our family and we have been cooking and tenderizing meat with yogurt for generations and it’s by far our favorite way.

What stands out

This recipe is a dream for busy weeknights! You can have the chicken marinating overnight, so all you need to do when you get home is bring it up to room temperature and air-fry until done. The results are juicy pieces of chicken thighs, with a flavourful spice blend and the crispiest skin. Serve this with a side of potatoes, a quick salad or steamed broccoli and carrots for a wholesome weeknight meal the whole family with love.

How to Prepare Lemon Pepper Chicken

First, add the chicken to a bowl, and then add the rest of the ingredients. Massage it altogether well with clean hands.

Now, cover the chicken and let it sit and marinate on the counter for one hour or in the fridge overnight.

Next, transfer it into the air-fryer and air-fry at 380F for 15-20 minutes.

The cook time will depend on the size of the chicken but you can always insert an instant-read thermometer to be sure.

Finally, remove the chicken from the air-fryer and enjoy with your favorite side dish.

Kitchen tip

No air-fryer? You can prepare this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe in the oven. Bake it at 400F (200C) for 45 to 60 minutes uncovered. Be sure to put it on broil for a few minutes at the end to crisp up the skin and get a beautiful colour.

Swaps

1. No air-fryer? You can prepare this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe in the oven. Bake it at 400F (200C) for 45 to 60 minutes uncovered. Be sure to put it on broil for a few minutes at the end to crisp up the skin and get a beautiful colour.
2. If you don’t have lemon-pepper feel free to use black pepper and some freshly grated lemon zest instead.
3. Any cut of chicken will work here. We do like skin-on because it gets nice and crispy!
4. We used Balkan yogurt here for the marinade but you can use any plain yogurt, or even sour cream or mayo instead.
5. Go dairy-free and use your favourite plain non-dairy yogurt or sour cream in this marinade.

Serve it with

• A simple side salad such as our Greek Feta Salad or Simple Green Salad.
• Our Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Sweet Potatoes would be if you have time to turn on the oven.
• Or keep it simple and quick by steaming some broccoli and serve with rice.

Questions

CAn we prepare this Lemon Pepper Chicken in the oven?

You can prepare this recipe in the oven! Bake it at 400F (200C) for 45 to 60 minutes uncovered. Be sure to put it on broil for a few minutes at the end to crisp up the skin and get a beautiful colour.

How do i know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Lf you are unsure or nervous about knowing when the chicken is fully cooked, please use an mark instant-read thermometer. It is recommended to cook chicken leg/thigh meat to an internal temperature of about 170-175°F (77-79°C).

What air-fryer do you have?

This is the mark air-fryer that we use and love to make this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe!

What can i do if i dont’ have lemon-pepper in our spice drawer?

If you don’t have lemon-pepper feel free to use black pepper and some freshly grated lemon zest instead.

What can i use instead of yogurt?

For this Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe, you can also use sour cream or mayonnaise instead of plain yogurt.

Can i make this dairy-free?

You can certainly make this recipe dairy-free by using your favourite non-dairy yogurt, sour cream or vegan mayonnaise.

Can i use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Any cut of chicken will work here but we do like skin-on because it gets nice and crispy in the air-fryer!

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

• 6 pieces bone in, skin on chicken thighs, or boneless, any cut of chicken will work
• ½ tablespoon salt, more or less to taste
• ½ tablespoon lemon pepper, more or less to taste
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons plain Balkan yogurt, or plain Greek
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or any oil you like

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat Thermometer
• Nakiri Knife
• Redmond Real Salt
• Mixing Bowls

Method

1. Add the chicken to a bowl, add the rest of the ingredients and massage it really well with clean hands.
2. Cover it and let it sit and marinate on the counter for one hour or in the fridge overnight.
3. Transfer it into the air-fryer and air-fry at 380F for 15-20 minutes. Read your air fryer manual for the recommended temperature and cook time as each air-fryer could vary.
4. The cook time will depend on the size of the chicken but you can always insert an instant read thermometer to be sure. Feel free to bake the chicken instead at 400F for 45-60 minutes + a few minutes on BROIL at the end to crisp up the skin.
5. Enjoy with salad, mashed potatoes, on wraps, with rice, or with any side you like.