Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Crispy Capers

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared in butter with fresh lemon and dill, finished with salty capers for brightness. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high-protein, gluten-free) ready in about 28 minutes pairs chicken thighs, unsalted butter, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp fresh dill, and the zest of 1 lemon. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Stir 1 tbsp capers into the pan drippings and squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon over the mixture.
  5. Step 5: Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with remaining dill.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Crispy 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Crispy 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 Crispy Capers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Dill Chicken Thighs with Crispy Capers high-protein?

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

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