Baked Herb-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with a fragrant herb rub and served with a rich, garlicky cream sauce perfect for keto meal prep. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 50 minutes blends olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form a herb rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the herb mixture evenly over 4 bone-in chicken thighs. Place the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, cooking for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked chicken thighs drizzled with the garlic cream sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Herb-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Herb-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Herb-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce?

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 Herb-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Herb-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce keto?

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

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