Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Asparagus

Name: Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4

keto low-carb chicken thighs garlic butter asparagus one-pan high-fat

This satisfying keto dinner features crispy-skinned chicken thighs and tender asparagus cooked in rich garlic butter, delivering all the fat and flavor you need while keeping carbs under 5g per serving.

Recipe Details

Units:

Metric Imperial

Servings:

Prep: 10 Cook: 30

Ingredients

8 pieces8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
450g1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
85g6 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves6 cloves garlic, minced
30ml2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
5ml1 tsp fresh lemon zest
15ml1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
10ml2 tsp kosher salt
5ml1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1.25ml1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
60g1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
30ml2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat 8 pieces8 pieces bone-in dry and season generously with 10ml2 tsp kosher salt and 5ml1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-8 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
Add 85g6 tbsp unsalted butter to the pan and let melt. Add 6 cloves6 cloves garlic, 15ml1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1.25ml1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add 450g1 lb fresh asparagus to the pan and toss with garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper.
Nestle 8 pieces8 pieces bone-in skin-side up among the asparagus. Transfer skillet to oven.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and asparagus is tender.
Remove from oven and immediately add 30ml2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 5ml1 tsp fresh lemon zest, and sprinkle with 60g1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with 30ml2 tbsp fresh parsley and serve immediately directly from the skillet.

Ingredients

id: chicken_thighs metric: 8 pieces imperial: 8 pieces name: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
id: asparagus metric: 450g imperial: 1 lb name: fresh asparagus, trimmed
id: unsalted_butter metric: 85g imperial: 6 tbsp name: unsalted butter
id: garlic metric: 6 cloves imperial: 6 cloves name: garlic, minced
id: lemon_juice metric: 30ml imperial: 2 tbsp name: fresh lemon juice
id: lemon_zest metric: 5ml imperial: 1 tsp name: fresh lemon zest
id: fresh_thyme metric: 15ml imperial: 1 tbsp name: fresh thyme leaves
id: salt metric: 10ml imperial: 2 tsp name: kosher salt
id: black_pepper metric: 5ml imperial: 1 tsp name: freshly ground black pepper
id: red_pepper_flakes metric: 1.25ml imperial: 1/4 tsp name: red pepper flakes (optional)
id: parmesan_cheese metric: 60g imperial: 1/2 cup name: Parmesan cheese, grated
id: fresh_parsley metric: 30ml imperial: 2 tbsp name: fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat {chicken_thighs} dry and season generously with {salt} and {black_pepper}.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-8 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
Add {unsalted_butter} to the pan and let melt. Add {garlic}, {fresh_thyme}, and {red_pepper_flakes}. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add {asparagus} to the pan and toss with garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper.
Nestle {chicken_thighs} skin-side up among the asparagus. Transfer skillet to oven.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and asparagus is tender.
Remove from oven and immediately add {lemon_juice}, {lemon_zest}, and sprinkle with {parmesan_cheese}.
Garnish with {fresh_parsley} and serve immediately directly from the skillet.

Tips

Crispy Skin Secret: Start chicken skin-side down in a cold pan, then heat gradually. This renders more fat and creates crispier skin.

Don't Move: Let chicken cook undisturbed for the first 6-8 minutes to develop proper browning and prevent sticking.

Asparagus Timing: Choose medium-thickness asparagus spears that will cook through in the oven without becoming mushy.

Fat Content: This dish is naturally high in healthy fats from chicken skin, butter, and cheese - perfect for keto macros.

Carb Count: Approximately 4g net carbs per serving, making it ideal for ketogenic eating.

Make-Ahead: Chicken can be seared ahead and finished in the oven when ready to serve.

Storage: Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain crispy skin.

Keto Sides: Serve with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad for a complete keto meal.