Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Herb Sauce
Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich herb-infused cream sauce, finished with fresh dill for a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on (200g) chicken thighs, olive oil, heavy cream into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 (200g) chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 8 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 6 minutes more.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 oz cream cheese, and 2 tbsp chopped dill, then simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Spoon sauce over chicken, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes to cook through. Discard skin before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Herb Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Herb Sauce?
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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Herb Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Herb Sauce 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Perfect keto recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.