Cheddar Herb-Stuffed Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs stuffed with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, baked until golden and perfect for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season inside and out with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves.
  3. Step 3: Carefully loosen the skin of each chicken thigh and stuff about 2 tbsp of the cheddar-herb mixture underneath the skin, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and cheese is melted.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheddar Herb-Stuffed Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Cheddar Herb-Stuffed Chicken Thighs?

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 sharp cheddar cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar Herb-Stuffed Chicken Thighs?

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 Cheddar Herb-Stuffed Chicken Thighs 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 Cheddar Herb-Stuffed Chicken Thighs keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, 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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