Easy Dinner Recipe: One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

Let’s talk chicken thighs. Not the plain, old, boring kind that just sits on your plate looking sad and tasteless—nope, we’re going all in with these ultra-flavorful, one-pan Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs! The chicken is juicy and crispy, and the skin is golden. The potatoes are buttery and lemony, and they almost melt in your mouth. It all cooks perfectly on one baking sheet, making this dinner quick, easy, and mess-free. It will quickly become your new favorite thing to make on weeknights. 

I mean, can we talk about the lemon butter sauce for a second? It’s rich, tangy, garlicky, and infused with fresh herbs that will have you practically drinking it straight from the pan (no judgment here!). Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen—so there’s really no excuse not to make this tonight.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

This dish is a real winner because not only is it very easy to make, but it also only requires one pan, which makes cleanup so easy as well. But what's the secret? It is when you eat chicken or potatoes that delicious sauce made of butter, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, and oregano goes on top of every juicy bite. Also, you only need some basic items, a baking sheet, and a big appetite. You don't need to feel skilled or spend hours in the kitchen.

Now that you're ready to make your normal dinner a dream of citrus and salt let's get to the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in for max flavor and crispiness)
• 1/2 cup butter (room temperature, so it’s easy to mix)
• 1 pound potatoes (peeled and halved—baby potatoes work great!)
• Zest of 1 lemon (for that fresh, zingy kick)
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice (hello, bright and tangy!)
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (dried works, too, if that’s what you’ve got)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, chopped (a touch of earthy goodness)
• 1 onion, cut into wedges (adds sweetness and depth)
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed (because more garlic is always the answer)
• Salt and pepper to taste (you know the drill)

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). We’re going for high heat to get that golden, crispy skin on the chicken and perfectly roasted potatoes. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 2: Butter Up Those Potatoes

In a bowl, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter, a sprinkle of salt, and some cracked pepper. Please make sure they’re well-coated because buttery potatoes are happy potatoes. Transfer them to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for a quick 10-minute head start. They need a little extra time to get nice and tender before the chicken joins the party.

Step 3: The Magical Butter Mixture

While the potatoes are roasting, it’s time to whip up the star of the show: the lemon butter mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining butter with lemon zest, crushed garlic, thyme, and oregano. This aromatic blend is what’s going to take your chicken thighs from zero to hero. Seriously, it’s liquid gold.

Step 4: Season and Smother the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, get in there with your butter mixture, rubbing it all over the chicken. Don’t forget to get some of that herby goodness under the skin—it’s the secret to ultra-flavorful, juicy meat. Place the chicken thighs on the baking sheet next to the potatoes.

Step 5: Onion, Lemon, and Roast

Add the onion wedges and pour the lemon juice over the chicken and potatoes. Give everything a little toss so that all those flavors start mingling beautifully. Roast everything in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is gorgeously golden and cooked through and the potatoes are tender and crisp around the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Let your chicken rest for a couple of minutes after it’s out of the oven—this helps keep all the juices inside where they belong. Then, dive in! Serve your chicken thighs hot, spoon some of that buttery, lemony sauce over everything, and enjoy the delicious, comforting magic you’ve just created.

Why This Recipe Works

This Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs recipe hits all the right notes: crispy skin, juicy chicken, and a luscious lemon-butter sauce that seeps into every corner of the pan. The potatoes soak up all those delicious juices, making them little bites of perfection. The fresh herbs, lemon zest, and garlic give everything a burst of flavor, while the butter adds a richness that makes this dish feel totally indulgent.

Plus, the one-pan approach means minimal dishes, minimal fuss, and all the satisfaction of a meal that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty and yummy without spending hours in the kitchen. And if you have any leftovers (unlikely, but still), they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Your new favorite dinner is going to be these One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs. They are a huge hit with everyone because the chicken is crispy and juicy, and the potatoes are soft, so they soak up all the buttery goodness. Get your items ready, heat up the oven, and get prepared to fall in love with the simplest and tastiest chicken recipe ever.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Did you try this recipe? Are you as obsessed with the lemon butter sauce as we are? Drop us a comment below and tell us how your chicken thighs turned out—or let us know what delicious recipes you’d like to see next!

Share the Love!

If you know someone who needs this recipe in their life (spoiler: everyone does), share it on social media and tag us @ZulayKitchen with #kitchenhappiness. We love seeing your creations!

Now, go forth and conquer the dinner table with this zesty, buttery chicken perfection. You’ve got this!