Lemon-Caper Butter Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs baked until golden, then finished with a tangy lemon-butter sauce studded with capers for a restaurant-quality keto meal. This chicken (keto) ready in about 38 minutes pairs Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, Olive oil, Salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 28 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-28 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While the chicken bakes, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon drained capers, and the zest of 1 lemon to the butter; simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce is fragrant and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle with the lemon-butter sauce, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Caper Butter Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (10 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Caper Butter Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Caper Butter Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Caper Butter Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Caper Butter Chicken Thighs keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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