Keto Herb-Infused Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic
Tender chicken thighs baked in a rich garlic-herb cream sauce, perfect for a low-carb dinner that satisfies cravings without sacrificing flavor. This american-inspired chicken (keto, high protein) ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, avocado oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and skin crisp.
- Step 3: Flip thighs, add minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh thyme, and 2 tbsp fresh rosemary to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth; reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and sauce is bubbling gently.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Keto Herb-Infused Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Keto Herb-Infused Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic?
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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Herb-Infused Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic?
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-Infused Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic 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-Infused Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
