Keto & Low-Carb
Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Keto garlic butter chicken thighs are proof that low-carb dinners don't have to be boring: a rich, herby garlic butter sauce coats crispy-skinned chicken thighs in a single skillet, and there's not a gram of flour or sugar in sight. It's high in protein and fat with virtually zero carbs, and it's fast enough for a weeknight while feeling indulgent enough for a weekend dinner.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Naturally keto and low-carb, near zero net carbs
- Rich garlic butter pan sauce
- One skillet, 25 minutes total
- High-protein, high-fat macros for keto diets
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until deeply golden and crisp.
- Flip and cook 5-6 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet, and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up the browned bits, then stir in the thyme and rosemary. Simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Remove from heat, stir in the remaining 2 tbsp butter until glossy, then return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Tips for success
- Searing skin-side down over medium-high (not high) heat renders the fat slowly for the crispiest skin without burning.
- Finishing the sauce off-heat with cold butter (a classic 'monter au beurre' technique) gives it a silky, glossy texture.
- Serve over cauliflower mash or alongside sautéed greens to keep the whole plate keto-friendly.
- Leftover sauce is excellent spooned over roasted vegetables the next day.
Frequently asked questions
How many net carbs does this recipe have?
Each serving has less than 2g net carbs, making it well within most keto daily limits.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, reduce the sear time to about 4-5 minutes per side since boneless thighs are thinner and cook faster.
What can I serve with keto garlic butter chicken?
Cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower, roasted broccoli or a simple side salad all keep the meal low-carb.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute a dairy-free butter alternative or additional olive oil in place of the butter; the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 412 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Fat | 31g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugar | 0g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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