Keto Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

Nutrition (approx. per serving)

• Net carbs: ~1–2 g

• Fat: high

• Protein: moderate

Ingredients (serves 4)

Chicken

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  (skinless works, but skin-on gives better flavor and fat)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Lemon Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnish

• Fresh parsley or thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Dry skin is important for crisping.

2. Sear the chicken

Heat a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium heat.
Add olive oil.

Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes without moving until skin is golden and crispy.
Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes.

Remove chicken and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

3. Make the lemon butter sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add butter to the same pan. Once melted:

• Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds (do not brown).

• Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.

• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.

Simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.

4. Add cream and herbs

Stir in heavy cream and thyme.
Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes).

Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

5. Finish cooking the chicken

Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up.
Spoon sauce over the chicken.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.

For extra crispy skin, uncover during the last 5 minutes or place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled.

• Do not boil after adding cream; gentle simmer prevents curdling.

• Bone-in thighs stay juicier than boneless.

• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth.

• If too thin, simmer uncovered a few minutes.

Optional Variations

Garlic-heavy version
Add 1–2 extra cloves of garlic.

Herb version
Add rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning.

Dairy-free keto
Replace butter with ghee and cream with full-fat coconut cream.

Oven method
After searing, transfer skillet to oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.