Crispy Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

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

Golden-brown chicken thighs with a rich, herb-infused cream sauce that clings perfectly to each bite, all under 5 net carbs per serving. This american-inspired chicken (ketogenic, high protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs avocado oil, cream cheese, 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 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just smoking.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping once.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is golden.
  5. Step 5: Stir in cream cheese until fully melted, then pour in heavy cream; simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Add chicken thighs back to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through and absorb flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared 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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared 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 avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared 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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared 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 Crispy Garlic-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs ketogenic?

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

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