Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs with a bright lemon-garlic finish and aromatic thyme, ideal for a simple weeknight keto meal. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) 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 180 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 8 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 8 minutes without moving, until skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken and cook for 6 minutes more, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze the juice of 1/4 lemon into the skillet and add the 1 tsp chopped thyme, stirring to combine. Return chicken to skillet and cook for 2 minutes, turning occasionally, to absorb flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic 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 Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with 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 Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic 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 Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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