Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Garlic Thyme

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

Juicy chicken thighs seared until golden, finished with a vibrant lemon-garlic-thyme sauce for a simple yet flavorful keto dinner. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Olive oil, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 745 calories and feeds 1, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 1 American cuisine 745 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook without moving for 6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken thighs and cook for 4 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and the zest and juice of 1/2 lemon to the skillet.
  7. Step 7: Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  8. Step 8: Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and stir until melted, then pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.
  9. Step 9: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Lemon-Garlic Thyme?

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 Lemon-Garlic Thyme?

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 Lemon-Garlic Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Lemon-Garlic Thyme 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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