Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Herb Butter
Juicy chicken thighs roasted with fresh dill and lemon, finished with a vibrant herb butter that elevates this simple weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken (high-protein) ready in about 38 minutes pairs thinly sliced lemon, chopped fresh dill, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 (skin-on, about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 3 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place chicken skin-side up in a baking dish; scatter 1 lemon slice around each piece. Roast for 25-28 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 1/2 tsp salt until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from oven, spoon melted herb butter over each piece, and garnish with remaining lemon slices before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Herb Butter 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-Dill Chicken Thighs with Herb Butter?
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 thinly sliced lemon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Herb Butter?
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 Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Herb Butter high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.