Crispy Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs with Avocado Oil

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

A high-protein, low-carb keto dinner featuring succulent chicken thighs seared to golden perfection with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. This keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs avocado oil, finely minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels using 2-3 layers, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute), then add chicken skin-side down. Sear undisturbed for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping only once when easily lifted.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, minced garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, then add lemon zest and cook for 30 seconds more until the garlic aroma intensifies.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, basting occasionally with pan juices.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs with Avocado Oil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs with Avocado Oil?

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 avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs with Avocado Oil?

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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs with Avocado Oil 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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs with Avocado Oil high protein?

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

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