Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herb Butter

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

Crisp-skinned chicken thighs bathed in a fragrant garlic-herb butter sauce, served with roasted broccoli for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 433 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 433 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cooking until butter melts and herbs are fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to skillet, spooning herb butter over the top, and cook for 1 minute to reheat.
  8. Step 8: Toss 1/2 cup broccoli florets with 1 tsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt, then roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until tender.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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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