Lemon-Herb Keto Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and bathed in a rich, tangy garlic-herb cream sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that stays under 10g net carbs per serving. This chicken (keto, high protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless 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 420 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 6-7 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Pour off all but 1 tbsp fat from the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Add minced garlic to the skillet over medium heat and cook for 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Step 6: Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, thyme, and capers, then simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it, and cook for 1 minute to reheat thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Keto Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Herb Keto Chicken with Creamy Garlic 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Keto Chicken with Creamy Garlic 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 Lemon-Herb Keto Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce 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 Lemon-Herb Keto Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce 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.

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