Lemon-Dill Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Caper Butter

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

Juicy chicken thighs with a golden, crispy skin, baked with fresh dill and lemon, finished with a rich caper-butter sauce. This american-inspired chicken (keto, gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs Olive oil, lemon Lemon zest, Fresh dill, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Arrange thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing lemon zest and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill evenly over the top.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through for even browning.
  4. Step 4: While thighs bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon drained capers and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, simmering for 2 minutes until flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove thighs from oven, transfer to a platter, and drizzle with the caper-butter sauce. Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth into the baking sheet, scraping up browned bits, and spoon over chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Caper Butter take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Caper 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Caper 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 Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Caper Butter 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-Dill Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Caper Butter keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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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