Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Italian Chef Team

9 hours ago

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Are you looking for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than these baked lemon butter chicken thighs! This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with a bright and tangy lemon butter sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious. This recipe is a winner because it’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner cooks.

## Why Chicken Thighs?

While chicken breasts are often the go-to choice, chicken thighs offer several advantages, especially when baking:

* **More Flavor:** Chicken thighs are naturally richer and more flavorful than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content. This means they can stand up to bold flavors like lemon and butter without drying out.
* **Juicier:** Thighs are less prone to drying out during cooking compared to breasts. Their higher fat content helps them stay moist and tender, even if slightly overcooked.
* **More Affordable:** Chicken thighs are typically more affordable than chicken breasts, making them a budget-friendly option for family meals.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator:

* **Chicken Thighs:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for maximum flavor and juiciness. However, you can use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer (adjust cooking time accordingly).
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is the base of the delicious sauce. You can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the bright, tangy flavor. Use a microplane to zest the lemon and a citrus juicer to extract the juice.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic element to the sauce. Mince the garlic finely for even distribution.
* **Olive Oil:** A little olive oil helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking dish.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh parsley and thyme add a touch of freshness and complexity to the dish. You can substitute dried herbs if fresh are not available (use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb).
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, paprika for color and a hint of smokiness, or Dijon mustard for added depth of flavor.

Here’s the full ingredient list with quantities:

* 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 pounds)
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 lemons, zested and juiced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked lemon butter chicken thighs:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly and the skin gets nice and crispy.
* Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Moisture on the skin will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to brown.
* Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Make sure to season both sides of the chicken.

**Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce**

* In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk until well combined.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake**

* Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Make sure the thighs are not overcrowded, as this can prevent them from browning properly. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
* Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring that each thigh is well coated. You can use a spoon to distribute the sauce if needed.
* Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
* During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can broil the chicken for a minute or two to crisp up the skin even more. Watch the chicken carefully to prevent it from burning.

**Step 4: Rest and Serve**

* Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices, if desired.
* Serve the baked lemon butter chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

## Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is your best friend when cooking chicken. It ensures that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature without being overcooked and dry.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish:** Overcrowding the baking dish will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to brown. Use two baking dishes if necessary.
* **Pat the Chicken Dry:** Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and baking is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning of the lemon butter sauce to suit your preferences. Taste it and add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or other spices as needed.
* **Baste the Chicken:** Basting the chicken with the sauce during baking helps to keep it moist and flavorful. Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the chicken every 10-15 minutes.
* **Broil for Crispy Skin:** Broiling the chicken for a minute or two at the end of baking can help to crisp up the skin even more. Watch the chicken carefully to prevent it from burning.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

## Serving Suggestions

These baked lemon butter chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all excellent choices for soaking up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are healthy and flavorful accompaniments.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Pasta:** Serve the chicken over your favorite pasta for a heartier meal.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious lemon butter sauce.

## Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences:

* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lemon butter sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Herby:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or basil.
* **Sweet:** Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the lemon butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
* **Creamy:** Add a splash of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce during the last few minutes of baking for a creamier sauce.
* **Wine:** Add a 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.

## Make Ahead & Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also season the chicken thighs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Storage:** Leftover baked lemon butter chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

## Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk until well combined.
4. Place chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish.
5. Pour lemon butter sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for crispier skin (optional).
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices, if desired.
10. Serve with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious and easy baked lemon butter chicken thighs! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Tags: Recipes