Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme, Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection with aromatic garlic and thyme, paired with a vibrant avocado salsa for a refreshing, low-carb dinner. This american-inspired chicken (high-protein, low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes blends bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves 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 550 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning once.
  2. Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried thyme. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the garlic-thyme oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 1 diced avocado, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup diced red onion in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and stir gently.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot chicken thighs topped with the avocado salsa mixture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme, Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Garlic and Thyme, Avocado Salsa?

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 Garlic and Thyme, Avocado Salsa?

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 Thyme, Avocado Salsa 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 Garlic and Thyme, Avocado Salsa high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, 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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