Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Dill Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden-skinned chicken thighs finished with a fragrant garlic-dill butter sauce, ready in under 25 minutes for a simple yet elegant dinner. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in), Olive oil, minced Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken skin-side down in skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes without moving, until skin is deeply golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside. Add minced garlic to skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then add 1 tbsp fresh dill. Cook for 1 minute until butter melts and sauce is fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top, and cook for 1 minute to reheat and absorb flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Dill Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Dill Butter?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Dill Butter?

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 Garlic and Dill Butter 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-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Dill Butter 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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