Crispy Keto Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

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

Juicy, skin-on chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and finished with a zesty lemon-herb butter sauce, all under 5g net carbs per serving. This american-inspired chicken (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pounds bone-in chicken thighs, tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet; do not move for 5 minutes until golden brown and crisp, then flip and sear 2 more minutes until edges are golden.
  3. Step 3: Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove and let rest 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, then stir in lemon juice and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until melted and emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour lemon-herb butter over chicken thighs and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Keto Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Keto Lemon-Herb 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 pounds bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Keto Lemon-Herb 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 Crispy Keto Lemon-Herb 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 Crispy Keto Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter 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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