Keto Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Zucchini Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent chicken thighs seared with aromatic garlic and herbs, paired with golden zucchini noodles for a satisfying low-carb meal that satisfies keto cravings without compromising flavor. This american-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

★ 3.8 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried rosemary. Place skin-side up in a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Pour the garlic oil over the chicken in the baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Step 5: While chicken bakes, combine 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss with 2 spiralized zucchinis (about 1 lb) until evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated zucchini noodles in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crisp and golden, stirring occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Serve chicken with zucchini noodles, drizzling with any pan juices from the chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Keto Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Keto Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Zucchini Noodles?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Zucchini Noodles?

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 Keto Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Zucchini Noodles 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 Keto Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Zucchini Noodles 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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