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Close-up of golden-brown Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs garnished with fresh rosemary in a rich, golden sauce.

Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

These juicy Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are rich, flavorful, and cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. With crispy skin, aromatic garlic, lemon zest, and rosemary, it’s a quick and satisfying low-carb dinner that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Keto
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves removed and roughly chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
  • tongs
  • zester or fine grater
  • cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat your chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, into the hot skillet. Sear undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the skillet and stir in minced garlic. Cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic.
  4. Return chicken to skillet. Add lemon zest and chopped rosemary. Spoon butter sauce over the chicken and continue cooking for 8–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from skillet and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices for tender, flavorful meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 28gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 320mgVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Swap rosemary for thyme or oregano if preferred. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. Lemon juice can substitute for zest. Olive oil can be replaced with bacon grease or avocado oil.

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