Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Capers

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

Juicy, skin-on chicken thighs baked with lemon zest, fresh dill, and briny capers for a bright, savory keto main. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and skin is crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, and drained capers. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Capers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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-Dill Chicken Thighs with Capers?

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-Dill Chicken Thighs with Capers?

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-Dill Chicken Thighs with Capers 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Capers?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes