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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Capers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 70 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Capers delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a crisp skin baked alongside tangy lemon slices and savory capers. Enhanced with fresh garlic, white wine, and butter, this dish is a mouthwatering, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The chicken is oven-baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted (reserve 1 tablespoon for basting)

Capers and Aromatics

  • 4 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
  • 2 tablespoons white wine

Lemon and Garnish

  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly and achieving a crispy skin.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange the lemon slices in an even layer on the bottom of the pan.
  3. Add Capers and Garlic: Scatter the drained capers and minced garlic over the lemon slices. Pour the white wine into the baking dish, which will infuse flavor and keep the chicken moist during baking.
  4. Place the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the lemon and caper mixture. This positioning helps the skin crisp up beautifully as it bakes.
  5. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the chicken thighs generously with melted butter, reserving one tablespoon for later basting. This adds rich flavor and promotes browning.
  6. Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the chicken thighs to season them well.
  7. Bake and Baste: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes. Then remove the pan and baste the chicken with the reserved tablespoon of melted butter to keep the skin moist and flavorful. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  8. Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant touch.
  9. Serve: Serve the crispy baked chicken thighs with rice if desired, spooning the flavorful lemon and caper sauce from the pan over both the chicken and rice for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Leftover sauce in the pan is great drizzled over rice or vegetables.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.