Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Fresh Herbs

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

Crispy skin-on chicken thighs infused with garlic and a blend of thyme and rosemary, finished with a fragrant herb butter. This American-inspired chicken recipe (low-carb, high-protein), ready in about 32 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 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 22 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly 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 (about 350°F). Place chicken skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes without moving until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 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 Fresh Herbs?

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-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Fresh Herbs?

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 Fresh Herbs 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 Fresh Herbs low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, 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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