Pan-Seared Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs with Asparagus

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

Juicy chicken thighs seared until crispy, simmered in a garlic-herb cream sauce with crisp-tender asparagus. A satisfying low-carb dinner ready in 40 minutes. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, avocado oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 3 minutes more.
  3. Step 3: Transfer skillet to preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: While chicken roasts, heat remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add asparagus, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven and transfer to a plate. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan to asparagus skillet, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens (2 minutes). Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over chicken.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs with Asparagus 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 Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs with Asparagus?

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 Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs with Asparagus?

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 Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs with Asparagus 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 Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs with Asparagus 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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