Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp-skinned chicken thighs bathed in a bright lemon-thyme butter sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb, keto) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on, avocado oil, thinly sliced lemon 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 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (350°F).
  3. Step 3: Place thighs skin-side down in skillet and cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and skin is crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip thighs and cook for 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and set aside. Add lemon slices and 1 tsp fresh thyme to skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil and 1 tbsp butter, spooning sauce over chicken.
  7. Step 7: Cook for 1 minute to reheat and infuse flavors, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and 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 avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme 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 Lemon and Thyme low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, 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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