Crispy Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs with Avocado Oil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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-inspired 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Keto cuisine 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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