Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Avocado Cream Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection paired with a rich, smooth avocado cream sauce for a luscious keto-friendly meal. This american-inspired keto (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes without moving until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook an additional 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, scoop the flesh of 1 medium ripe avocado into a blender. Add 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each thigh topped with 2-3 tbsp of the avocado cream sauce for a rich, tangy finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Avocado Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Avocado Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Avocado Cream 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Avocado Cream 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Avocado Cream Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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