Garlic-Sage Chicken Thighs with Roasted Zucchini
Tender chicken thighs caramelized with garlic and sage, served over perfectly roasted zucchini for a satisfying low-carb dinner. This american-inspired keto (high protein, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down, pressing gently to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 3 more minutes.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic and dried sage to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, slice zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast alongside chicken for 15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Sage Chicken Thighs with Roasted Zucchini 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-Sage Chicken Thighs with Roasted Zucchini?
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 Garlic-Sage Chicken Thighs with Roasted Zucchini?
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-Sage Chicken Thighs with Roasted Zucchini 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 Garlic-Sage Chicken Thighs with Roasted Zucchini high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
