Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese and baked in a garlic butter sauce, perfect for a high-fat, keto-friendly dinner. This american-inspired keto (gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs sliced sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 490 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each of the 6 boneless skin-on chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Stuff each chicken thigh pocket with 1 oz sliced sharp cheddar cheese, distributing evenly.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: In a baking dish, drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil and arrange the stuffed chicken thighs skin-side up; season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika.
  5. Step 5: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure the garlic and thyme distribute well.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with any pan juices spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced sharp cheddar cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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