Crispy Lemon-Herb Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs coated in a garlic-herb crust, served with a luscious avocado-cashew sauce that's rich in healthy fats at about 8g of carbs per serving. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, avocado, raw cashews for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down, pressing gently to ensure even contact. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook 6-8 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, blend avocado flesh, soaked cashews (soaked 2 hours), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle with avocado sauce and sprinkle with remaining thyme and lemon zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Lemon-Herb Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Herb Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce?

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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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