Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Broccoli
Juicy chicken thighs caramelized in a rich garlic butter sauce, served with perfectly roasted broccoli for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto ready in about 45 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on (about 1.5 pounds) chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1.5 cups, cut into florets broccoli
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1.5 cups broccoli florets with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: While chicken roasts, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and cook for 30 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Broccoli take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Butter and Broccoli?
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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Broccoli?
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 Butter and Broccoli 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Broccoli?
American keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these! Even my picky eater loved the broccoli.
- ★★★★★
This is now a weekly staple in my keto diet. So easy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The chicken was juicy and the garlic butter was perfect.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
