Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Broccoli Rabe

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a rich garlic butter sauce and tender broccoli rabe sautéed alongside. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes without moving, until skin is deeply golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken thighs and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, spooning melted butter over the thighs until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside covered. Add 8 oz trimmed broccoli rabe and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté in the garlic butter for 3-4 minutes until tender and bright green.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice to the broccoli rabe, season with salt to taste, and serve alongside the chicken thighs drizzled with remaining garlic butter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Broccoli Rabe 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 Butter and Broccoli Rabe?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Broccoli Rabe?

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 Rabe 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 Butter and Broccoli Rabe keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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