Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach and Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs served with a fresh avocado salsa and garlicky sautéed spinach, perfect for a high-protein, keto-friendly meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic cloves 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 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 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, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook on the other side for 5-6 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, combine 1 diced medium avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; gently toss and set aside to let flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 6 cups baby spinach leaves and 2 tbsp water, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the garlic is infused throughout. Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Plate the chicken thighs topped with the avocado salsa alongside the garlic spinach. Serve immediately while warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Spinach and Avocado Salsa?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Spinach and 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 Spinach and 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 Spinach and Avocado Salsa high protein?

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

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