Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a fragrant garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. This general-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil 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 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over it. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Garlic and Lemon Butter 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 Garlic and Lemon Butter 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 Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lemon Butter 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.

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