Keto Chicken Thighs Recipe

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why you'll love it
• 🧾 Ingredients Used
• 🔪 How To Make This Recipe
• 🥫 Storing and Reheating
• 💭 Tips and Variations
• 🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
• 👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions
• 📚 Related Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

Chicken thighs are one of the most versatile and delicious cuts of dark meat out there. They are also perfect for a gluten-free or keto diet.

Whether you're cooking dinner for the entire family or a solo meal, you'll keep coming back to this keto chicken thigh recipe over and over again!

Since this meat is dark and full of flavor, it doesn't need to be cooked for a long time. As a result, this baked chicken thigh recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you're in a rush to get dinner on the table.

🧾 Ingredients Used

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• Chicken Thighs: The high-fat content of chicken thighs helps keep the chicken juicy and tender as it cooks, so it doesn't dry out or become tough. You can use bone-in chicken thighs, but I use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. 
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This will be used as a base for a flavorful sauce to serve on top. You can use coconut milk as a dairy-free option. 
• Olive Oil: You'll use olive oil to saute the vegetables before adding them to the sauce. Avocado oil is another excellent option. 
• Onion: Onion adds so much flavor to this dish!
• Red Bell Pepper: If you're not a fan of peppers, you could swap them out for another vegetable, like mushrooms or zucchini. 
• Garlic Cloves: The garlic will add a lot of depth to the vegetables as you sauté them. 
• Spices: For this recipe, I use my homemade chicken seasoning, bouillon powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional), and salt.

🔪 How To Make This Recipe

Here's how to make this easy recipe.

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375F.
2. Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel, then rub the spices all over.
3. Arrange the boneless chicken thighs on a baking sheet in a single row and place them in the pre-heated oven.
4. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. To save time, prepare the sauce while the chicken is baking.
6. Add olive oil to a large skillet on the stove top.
7. When heated, add the onions, garlic, and red bell pepper and sauté.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and add the rest of the spices.
9. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes on medium heat.
10. Add the chicken and scoop some of the creamy sauce over it.
11. Simmer for 5 - 10 more minutes.

🥫 Storing and Reheating

To ensure that the chicken is stored safely and properly, it is important to refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking. The chicken should be wrapped in an airtight container or plastic wrap to preserve its freshness and prevent bacteria from growing.

You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop to reheat your creamy chicken thighs. If using the microwave, it is recommended that the chicken is covered with a damp paper towel to help keep it moist. However, you'll get the best results by using the oven or stovetop.

When reheating the chicken in the oven, place it in an oven-safe dish covered with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. You can also use the stovetop to reheat this dish by placing the chicken in a skillet with a small amount of oil or butter to help prevent it from sticking.

💭 Tips and Variations

• You can also use chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Try grilling your chicken thighs. Grilling your chicken thighs will give them a nice crisp exterior and juicy interior. You can marinate your chicken thighs in olive oil, garlic, and herbs when grilling for extra flavor.
• For a more filling meal, add some vegetables to the sauce. You can add some diced mushrooms, zucchini, kale, or spinach to the sauce as the chicken cooks.
• Feel free to add extra flavor to this sauce by adding butter, lemon juice, or fresh herbs. For an Italian spin, you can add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• To give your dish an extra crunch, try adding some nuts or seeds. You can top your chicken thighs in the oven with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
• Use some of your favorite spices like onion powder or garlic powder, or add some red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Make your chicken thighs in the air fryer or instant pot pressure cooker if you don't feel like turning the oven on.

🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?

This easy chicken recipe is delicious as a standalone dish when served with your favorite sauce. Try them with some buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or keto gravy.

Chicken thighs pair nicely with vegetables, like my air-fryer green beans, instant pot broccoli, or air-fryer frozen brussels sprouts. Keto cole slaw or broccoli salad also make great additions to this meal.

For a super easy side dish, toss a simple salad of greens, olive oil, and lemon juice, which perfectly complement this dish, especially when you want an easy and quick dinner.

👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions

📖 Recipe