Garlic-Thyme Chicken with Cream Sauce

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich garlic-thyme cream sauce, finished with Parmesan for a luxurious keto dinner. This american-inspired keto ready in about 25 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 490 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 490 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry, then season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until melted and combined. Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce, cooking 1 minute more.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Thyme Chicken with Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Thyme Chicken with Cream 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 Garlic-Thyme Chicken with Cream 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 Garlic-Thyme Chicken with Cream 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.

What goes well with Garlic-Thyme Chicken with Cream Sauce?

American keto like this pair well with a low-carb side — cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli or asparagus, or a leafy salad with olive oil and parmesan. Rice, couscous and bread would blow the carb budget this recipe is built around. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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