Garlic-Almond Crusted Chicken Thighs

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

Succulent chicken thighs with a golden almond crust, finished with a fragrant garlic butter sauce. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs almond flour, (minced) garlic, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Brush chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then coat evenly with the almond flour mixture.
  3. Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon), then remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with garlic butter sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Almond Crusted Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Garlic-Almond Crusted 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 almond flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Almond Crusted 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 Garlic-Almond Crusted 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 Garlic-Almond Crusted Chicken Thighs 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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