Creamed Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of cream for a decadent keto dinner. This french-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 French cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate and reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot with sauce spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamed Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Creamed Garlic Butter 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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamed Garlic Butter 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 Creamed Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs 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 Creamed Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs 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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