I'm always on the hunt for easy, delicious, and low carb baked chicken thigh recipes. Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of the poultry world – packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly budget-friendly. If you're trying to stick to a keto diet or just love a good chicken dinner, you'll adore this recipe for Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken!
I'm a big believer that healthy eating shouldn't be complicated or boring. That's especially true when it comes to the keto diet. I've spent countless hours in the kitchen experimenting with keto-friendly recipes, and I've discovered that chicken thighs are an absolute treasure. They're naturally juicy, full of flavor, wallet-friendly, and work beautifully in so many dishes. This Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken recipe is one of my go-to favorites because it delivers on all fronts.
Want a flavorful chicken dinner that's low-carb and low-effort? Look no further than this Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken. It's:
- Bursting with sweet, tangy, and herby flavors
- Ready to enjoy in under an hour with minimal prep
- Perfect for your keto lifestyle with just 2 net carbs per serving
Gather your Supplies
Tools for Success: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring only a few basic kitchen tools. To make your low carb baked chicken thigh recipes, you'll need:
- Large bowl or resealable plastic bag for marinating
- 9x13 baking dish
- Instant-read thermometer (highly recommended for ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked!)
With these simple tools, you're ready to whip up a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal.
Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken
This baked chicken thigh recipe bursts with a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. The lemon juice and fresh herbs add a bright, zesty element while the sugar-free honey provides a subtle sweetness that keeps this dish perfectly keto-friendly. It's incredibly easy to make yet delivers gourmet results.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 2 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 3 tsp. minced garlic
- 4 Tbsp. sugar-free honey
- Juice from ½ a lemon
- 2 tsp. dried thyme
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly from the moment it enters the oven, promoting that crispy skin and juicy interior you're after.
- Pat chicken thighs dry. This seems like a minor step, but it's crucial for getting crispy skin! Excess moisture prevents the skin from browning properly. Use paper towels to gently pat the chicken dry.
- Combine the marinade. In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, sugar-free honey, lemon juice, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, coating the chicken in sweet, tangy, and savory goodness.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. For a deeper flavor profile, the best way is to marinate longer, even overnight.
- Arrange chicken and bake. Place chicken pieces skin-side up in a 9x13 baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Bake chicken thighs recipe for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Using a meat thermometer guarantees your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Notes:
- For extra crispy skin, start the chicken skin-side down in a preheated oven-safe pan for a few minutes before transferring to the baking dish.
- Customize the flavors! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or try other keto-friendly seasonings.
Tips
- Crispy Skin Perfection: Get that incredibly crispy chicken skin everyone loves! Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before adding the marinade. This simple step makes a huge difference.
- Temp Check for Safety: Don't guess when it comes to chicken! Use an instant-read thermometer to be certain your keto chicken thighs are cooked perfectly and safely. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Oil Options: Olive oil is delicious, but feel free to substitute avocado oil for a different flavor profile and equally great results.
- Meal Prep Like a Pro: This keto baked chicken thigh recipe is a meal prep superstar! Double the batch and enjoy these juicy chicken thighs all week long.
- Customize It: While there's much flavor here, try adding other keto-friendly seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Additional Notes:
- For even crispier skin, consider starting the chicken skin-side down on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a high temperature. Only do this if your baking dish is oven-safe at high heat.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs instead, but remember the cooking time may need adjusting.
- Leftover marinade makes a delicious sauce! Simmer it in a small bowl and drizzle over your chicken for even more lemon-herb flavor.
FAQ: low carb baked chicken thigh recipes
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you can! While I prefer the juicy meat and crispy skin you get from bone-in chicken thighs, boneless, skinless will work. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, checking with a meat thermometer for doneness (165 degrees F).
- What are some delicious keto sides to serve with this dish? This keto chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with so many low-carb side dishes! Try cauliflower rice, roasted green beans, Brussels sprouts, or spaghetti squash for a complete and satisfying meal.
- How do I store leftovers for the best results? To keep your keto baked chicken thighs fresh and flavorful, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead? Absolutely! This recipe is easily adapted for boneless skinless chicken breasts. Remember, the cooking time might need adjusting. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What to Serve with Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken
This flavorful chicken dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of low-carb sides. Here are a few delicious options to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, and their crispy texture is a perfect contrast to the juicy chicken. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder before roasting in a hot oven until tender and caramelized.
- Cauliflower Rice: This keto staple is light, fluffy, and the perfect base to soak up the delicious lemon and herb flavors from the chicken. Prepare it with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper for simple elegance, or add your favorite seasonings and chopped vegetables for a flavor boost.
- Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic: These vibrant veggies add freshness to the plate. Sauté green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty side.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: Enjoy a crispy, satisfying side dish in minutes! Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook in the air fryer until tender and slightly charred.
Conclusion
This low carb baked chicken thigh recipes is an absolute crowd-pleaser perfect for the whole family. It packs much flavor, with very few carbs. I've become a total convert to baked chicken thighs – they're so juicy, budget-friendly, and easier than you think to get a crispy skin.
If you're ready to ditch boring chicken dinners, give this Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken recipe a try tonight! Let me know how you like it in the comments below. Print up the printable recipe card so you can try this easy recipe again and again!
Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken
This Keto Honey Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken delivers a burst of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect for satisfying those low-carb cravings. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and a vibrant lemon-herb marinade, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 Bone in and skin on chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 3 tsp. Minced garlic
- 4 Tbsp. Sugar free honey
- Juice from ½ a lemon
- 2 tsp. Dried thyme
- ½ tsp. Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Add all of the ingredients to a Ziploc bag, and shake to combine.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Place the chicken into a 9x13 baking dish, and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until browned and completely cooked through.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 2 net carbs per serving
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 235Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 168mgCarbohydrates: 27gNet Carbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 8g
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Hello, I'm Melissa, the founder and visionary behind Everyday Ketogenic. With more than 12 years of experience in content creation, recipe development, and blogging, I've cultivated this platform into a leading resource for anyone interested in the ketogenic lifestyle. Everyday Ketogenic is my canvas, where I paint with words and ideas, bringing the keto world to life.