Name: Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Herb Pan Sauce
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs); 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth (no added sugar); 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried); 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Herb Pan Sauce

RoastedThyme0504

This Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Herb Pan Sauce recipe transforms a simple dinner into a savory, satisfying meal that perfectly fits a keto lifestyle. By salting the chicken early, the seasoning penetrates deeply for maximum flavor, while searing the skin renders it ultra-crispy. The pan sauce—brightened by fresh lemon juice and thyme—cuts through the richness of the chicken, balancing salt, fat, and acid for a restaurant-worthy finish. All in one pan, this dish is fast, fuss-free, and bursting with flavor, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal alike.

Ingredients

Instructions

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow salt to penetrate.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, place chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook without moving for 8-10 minutes, until skin is deeply golden and crisp.
Flip chicken and cook another 5-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil.
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. Lower heat to medium, add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes, then stir in lemon juice and thyme. Simmer 1 minute more to reduce slightly. Remove from heat and swirl in butter until sauce is silky.
Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over top, and serve immediately, garnished with extra thyme if desired.