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Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs: Easy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor


  • Author: Alice Barry
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and bursting with rich lemon-garlic flavor. Featuring crispy golden skin and a buttery sauce infused with fresh lemon juice, this easy oven-baked recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner or a family favorite meal. Simple ingredients and a one-pan method deliver restaurant-quality results right at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: adds juicy texture and deep flavor
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: creates a rich and silky sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed: provides aromatic depth and savory flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: balances richness with citrus brightness
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: enhances the savory notes
  • Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and bringing flavors together
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: adds color and freshness for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in smashed garlic, lemon juice, and onion powder. Set aside.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat the remaining tablespoon of butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs, brush with the lemon-butter mixture, and pour the rest into the skillet.
  6. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, brushing every 10 minutes with pan juices. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from oven, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice lacks brightness.
  • Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve crisp, golden skin.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness for juicy results.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispness instead of microwaving.
  • Can be made dairy-free by substituting olive oil for butter.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs, baked chicken thighs, lemon garlic chicken, buttery chicken recipe, oven baked chicken, crispy chicken thighs, weeknight dinner