Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection with a bright lemon-garlic finish, paired with roasted broccoli for a simple yet elegant dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 3.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest from 1 lemon, 1 tbsp lemon juice from 1 lemon, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary.
  3. Step 3: Rub the mixture evenly over chicken thighs, coating all sides completely.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken in a single layer in a baking dish, skin-side up. Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden.
  5. Step 5: Toss 2 cups broccoli florets with 1 tsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Serve chicken immediately with roasted broccoli.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Lemon Zest?

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 Lemon Zest?

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 Lemon Zest 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 Lemon Zest 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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