Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme
Juicy chicken thighs seared to a golden crust, then finished with a fragrant garlic-thyme sauce that's rich in flavor and low in carbs. This american-inspired chicken (keto) ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.
Ingredients
- 680g bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 680g chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes without moving, until skin is golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Flip thighs and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to skillet, stirring to coat.
- Step 5: Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Step 6: Remove from skillet and let rest 5 minutes. Squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice over top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Garlic 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Garlic 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 Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Garlic 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 Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my dinner party! The thighs stayed moist and the garlic aroma was divine.
- ★★★★★
The chicken was juicy and the garlic-thyme combo was perfect. Made for my family and they loved it!
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Will be a regular in my weeknight meals.
