Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a rich and tangy avocado cilantro sauce that adds freshness and creaminess. This mexican-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends medium, peeled and pitted avocado, loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, freshly squeezed lime juice 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 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. 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 skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes without moving until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 6-7 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and rest on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine 1 medium peeled avocado, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding 2 tbsp water if the sauce is too thick.
  4. Step 4: Serve the chicken thighs topped with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Avocado Cilantro 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 Creamy Avocado Cilantro 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 Creamy Avocado Cilantro 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 Creamy Avocado Cilantro 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 Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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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