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This Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe uses juicy chicken thighs, copious amount of butter (or duck fat), salt and garlic, and 2 different kinds of pepper! Roasted until crispy, the chicken thighs are on the table in an hour!
This recipe was originally posted in January 2017. It has been updated with improved photos and content.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these super flavorful Salt and Pepper Chicken Thighs are just SO GOOD. They are so simple to make, only have a few ingredients, and taste just absolutely delicious.
Brushed with butter or duck fat, and coated with a mixture of garlic, salt and pepper, these are the thighs you need in your life. If you've ever had salt and pepper chicken in a Chinese restaurant, this is similar to that, only better (in my opinion LOL).
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- Chicken thighs are rubbed with butter (or duck fat), salt, garlic and pepper before roasting.
- They are roasted until the skin is nice and crispy and the meat is juicy and tender, just like this Vietnamese Chicken.
- The recipe takes very little prep time, with most of the time being hands-off cooking time.
- There is an option to add a sprinkle of MSG, which brings out the flavor, however is not required. The recipe is still amazing without it. Buy MSG (affiliate link).
- It's sooooo easy but soooooo delicious.
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Step By Step Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place a baking rack on top and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the melted butter, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix to combine.
Using a brush, slather the mixture on both sides of the chicken. You can also pour it over the thighs in a bowl and mix to coat the thighs. Either method works.
If you are using the MSG, this is when you would sprinkle it on. But like I said, it is optional if you don't have or prefer not to use it.
Place the chicken in the oven and roast, 30 minutes per side. If the skin isn't crisp enough when done, place the chicken under the broiler (skin side up) for a few minutes and crisp it up. Make sure to watch it so it doesn't burn.
Top it with diced Thai green chilies and serve hot. Try serving it with some of these Chinese favorites:
Expert Tips
- The MSG is optional. If you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can leave it out. However, it does help to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Chicken legs can be substituted for chicken thighs. Follow the same instructions.
- If the skin is not crispy enough, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up. Watch carefully to ensure it doesn't burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is salt and pepper chicken spicy? The pepper used in this recipe makes the chicken slightly spicy, but not overwhelmingly spicy. You can leave the diced Thai chilies off if you prefer less spice.
- Can you freeze salt and pepper chicken? Technically yes. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it in a 400 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Throw it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin if desired.
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Recipe
Salt and Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons white pepper
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter (or duck fat) melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 1-2 Thai chilies (diced for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place a baking rack on top.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Mix the melted butter (or duck fat), black and white pepper, garlic cloves and sea salt in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken with the mixture. Sprinkle with MSG (optional).
- Place in the oven and cook for 30 minutes on each side. If necessary, place under broiler to crisp skin.
- Garnish with green onion and diced Thai chilies.
Expert Tips:
- The MSG is optional. If you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can leave it out. However, it does help to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Chicken legs can be substituted for chicken thighs. Follow the same instructions.
- If the skin is not crispy enough, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up. Watch carefully to ensure it doesn't burn.
Nutrition
Yap
What should the temperature in the oven be for baking 30 mins on each side?
Danielle
It should be 350F.
Catalina
So easy and so delicious! I should make this chicken this weekend!
Danielle
You totally should 😉
Heidy L. McCallum
I made this the other day for the family and they loved every bite of it. Followed the instructions to a T---great instructions by the way.
Danielle
That's so great to hear!
Kylee
This looks like an absolute winner! I am always looking for new ways to make a chicken dinner, this is my next one!
Danielle
Hope you love it Kylee!
Cheese Curd In Paradise
These look packed with flavor and so delicious! There is nothing better than well-seasoned meat, and I can't wait to give this recipe a try!
Danielle
I totally agree! Thanks Ashley 🙂
Ramona
This chicken looks insane! I love it and will try it as soon as tomorrow. I do not have the MSG so will skip that - I cannot wait, yummm.
Danielle
Hope you love it Ramona!
Vanessa
This is such a great chicken to serve with a really flavorful side. It's so simple but really a star!
Danielle
Thanks Vanessa!
Toni
I really love how tasty this is! I can't wait to make it again!
Danielle
So glad you liked it Toni!
Kelly Anthony
I love that I can make one of my favorite restaurant meals at home. Cheaper and tastier sounds great to me!
Danielle
Right? Plus you can eat it in you PJs!
Heidy L. McCallum
This was a great recipe, we tried it the other day and it came out perfect! The chicken was so juicy and delish!
Danielle
That's great to hear Heidy!
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder
I absolutely love low maintenance recipe like this one. Hands on time is minimal, oven does most of the work and you end up with this super scrumptious and flavourful dinner! That's a winner in my book! And look at that crispy skin! Cannot wait to try it!
Danielle
Right? That's the best thing about roasted chicken thighs...how easy it is to get that juicy perfection!
Helene Goldnadel
For the one like me who is tired of eating the same chicken dish, this one deserves a well try
Danielle
Hope you get a chance to try it Helene!
Demeter
Wow, it really doesn't get any easier than this! Sounds perfectly full of flavor too.
Danielle
Right? Super easy and super flavorful.
Helen @ family-friends-food.com
These look great - just the sort of thing my family would love!
Danielle
Thanks helen!
G
The recipe says “cook time 30 minutes”, but then it says “cook for 30 minutes on each side”. I’m guessing it’s supposed to be 15 minutes on each side, but I’ve burned plenty of food before, so I’m nervous about this one.
Thanks.
Danielle
Oh shoot. The cook time should be 30 minutes per side. Sometimes the recipe card I use plugs in the wrong time. I should have check that. I've updated the recipe!
danielle
Loving the great flavors here! I get wings like this at a local chinese restaurant.
Thao @ In Good Flavor
I'm afraid to use MSG, but man, it makes things taste good! These thighs look awesome! I've got my eyes on the crispy skin!!
Danielle@wenthere8this
I know, MSG always makes me feel bad, but I LOVE the way it makes some food taste. I find if I drink a lot of water, it flushes out pretty quickly. The crispy skin on these is the best!