Pan-Sear Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Crisp-skinned chicken thighs seared with lemon and garlic, served with a fragrant herb-infused pan sauce. This american-inspired keto (high protein) ready in about 30 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 370 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip and cook for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and set aside.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary to the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Add 1 lemon, thinly sliced, and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Step 8: Return chicken to skillet, skin-side up, and cook for 2 minutes to reheat and absorb flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Sear Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs 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 Pan-Sear Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs?

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 Pan-Sear Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs?

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 Pan-Sear Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs 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 Pan-Sear Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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