Spiced Lemon Chicken
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce cooking time by 5–10 minutes, and watch closely for doneness.
How spicy is this?
Just a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, you can adjust to taste.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Absolutely! It’ll give a slightly different, tangy twist.
Do I have to use an air fryer?
Nope! Oven instructions are included below.
Chef’s Tips
- For extra flavour, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Shake off excess marinade before cooking to help the skin crisp up.
- Use bone-in thighs for juicier results; skin-on gives the best crisp.
Spiced Lemon Chicken
These Spiced Lemon Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bright, zesty flavour. Paprika, garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon juice give every bite a punch of flavor. Quick to prepare and easy to cook in the air fryer or oven, they make a weeknight dinner feel effortless and flavourful.
Equipment
- Air-Fryer (optional)
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1½ tsp garlic salt
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, sugar, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, garlic salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir well to form a marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Remove chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C)
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, until crispy and golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165℉. (74℃)
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220℃)
- Place marinated chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 35-40 minutes until golden, crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃)
- Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftovers: Cool completely, store in airtight container 3–4 days.
- Reheating:
- Air fryer: 360°F (180°C), 5–8 min
- Oven: 350°F (175°C), 10–15 min
- Microwave: 30-sec intervals (skin won’t stay crispy)
Tried this recipe?
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Mention @thewifewiththeknife or tag #wifewiththeknife
