Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken, a dish that combines crispy, golden skin with a luscious lemony garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seasoned bone-in chicken thighs are first seared to perfection, then roasted in a rich mélange of fresh lemon juice, fragrant zest, melted butter, and a hint of paprika for a captivating depth of flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper and minced garlic add bold, aromatic notes, while a splash of chicken broth creates a silky sauce ideal for drizzling over the chicken. Finished with vibrant parsley and a garnish of lemon slices, this recipe is as stunning to serve as it is satisfying to eat. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a perfect centerpiece for hearty side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you're hosting a gathering or treating your family, this Lemon Pepper Butter Chicken is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons black pepper (freshly cracked)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 4 slices lemon slices (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika on all sides.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

Step 7

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon more of the buttery sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 9

Serve the chicken warm with lemon slices for garnish. Pair with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(872.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1744.7

Total Fat 143.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 579mg	0%
Sodium 3147.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 13.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g	0%
Total Sugars 2.2g
Protein 111.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 158.1mg	0%
Iron 7.6mg	0%
Potassium 1536.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.0%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 3.0%