Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

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

Juicy chicken thighs stuffed with melting mozzarella, pan-seared then finished in garlic butter for a rich keto meal. This Mediterranean-inspired keto recipe (low carb), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, mozzarella cheese, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Carefully butterfly 4 boneless chicken thighs (6 oz each), creating a pocket without cutting through.
  2. Step 2: Insert 1 oz sliced mozzarella cheese into each pocket, then season the outside with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet; spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, spoon remaining garlic butter over the thighs, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Cheese-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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-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 Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter 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 Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter 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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