Name: 5-Minute Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–7 oz each); 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup chicken broth; 2 teaspoons lemon juice, plus wedges to serve; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Description

Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs deliver rich flavor and hit your 40g protein goal easily. This recipe uses simple steps perfect for new cooks to master juicy, flavorful dark meat.

Ingredients

4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–7 oz each)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons lemon juice, plus wedges to serve
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear thighs 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to 170–180°F. Transfer thighs to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. When the butter foams, stir in minced garlic for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
Return chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the thighs for 1–2 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken.
Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving with the pan sauce over sautéed greens or cauliflower mash.

Notes

Serving two large thighs per person provides approximately 40–50 g protein, fitting well within keto limits.
To keep carbs low, do not add flour or sweeteners to the sauce.
Cook dark meat to 170–180°F; this temperature allows collagen to convert, keeping the meat juicy.
For an air fryer method, cook seasoned thighs at 400°F for 14–18 minutes, flipping once, aiming for 175–185°F internal temperature. Toss cooked thighs in the warm garlic butter sauce before serving.
Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of grated parmesan to the sauce for extra richness, if desired.
Add lemon zest and a pinch of red pepper flakes for brighter flavor and mild heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Searing
Cuisine: American