© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🍋🧄✨ Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans — An Irresistible Flavor Combo!
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a dish that combines savory richness with the zesty brightness of lemon, then this lemon garlic chicken recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked to perfection with a fragrant garlic-infused butter sauce, complemented by tender green beans. This classic pairing creates an explosion of flavors—bright, buttery, and utterly satisfying. The dish is simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious garlic lemon chicken thighs with green beans that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 mins: Perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.
- Versatile & adaptable: Use fresh ingredients for a vibrant dish or frozen for convenience.
- Healthy & nutritious: Less oil, high-protein chicken, and plenty of greens.
3. Ingredient Notes
To create the best garlic lemon chicken thighs, opt for high-quality chicken thighs. Skin-on, bone-in thighs tend to stay juicier and develop a crisp exterior when cooked properly. For the lemons, fresh lemons provide an aromatic, tangy brightness that elevates the dish beyond a simple chicken skillet. Use fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced seasoning.
Garlic is essential—fresh, generous cloves will give that aromatic punch. Butter adds richness, but you can substitute with good-quality olive oil if desired. For the green beans, choose tender, young green beans—frozen works as well if fresh aren’t available. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance flavor but are optional.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To efficiently prepare this delightful dish, consider investing in some reliable kitchen tools. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can help you roast or crisp the chicken for added texture. A high-quality T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures perfect browning and easy cleanup. For precision cooking, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer offers versatility. With these tools, you’ll make cooking your lemon garlic chicken even more enjoyable and foolproof.
5. How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans
Preparation Phase
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this ensures crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if desired. Zest and juice the lemons, splitting the lemon into halves for the best flavor punch. Mince the garlic cloves; the aroma during cooking is already enticing.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a tablespoon of butter with a splash of olive oil. When hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. You want a crispy, golden-brown crust—if they aren’t sizzling immediately, wait until the skin releases easily. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Green Beans and Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a touch more butter or oil if needed. Toss in the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds—that’s the aroma you want filling your kitchen.
Pour in the lemon juice and zest, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the luscious garlic-lemon butter over the thighs. Simmer everything together for a couple of minutes until the greens are tender, and the flavors meld.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken thighs skin-side down undisturbed for a crispy exterior.
- Use fresh lemons: The citrus flavor is brighter and more vibrant than bottled lemon juice.
- Finish with herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme added at the end boosts freshness.
- Adjust cooking time: Thinner thighs cook faster; use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If dairy isn’t suitable for your diet, skip the butter and use olive oil instead, which also lends a lovely flavor. For a low-carb version, serve this chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. You can also substitute green beans with asparagus or broccoli for different greens.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. To maintain crispy skin if reheating, re-crisp in a hot skillet for a few minutes. The vibrant flavors hold up well; just add a squeeze of lemon before reheating for freshness.
9. FAQ
Can I make this recipe using chicken breast?
Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking. To keep them juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t move the pieces until they develop a golden crust. Using enough oil or butter will also help prevent sticking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work beautifully. Add them during the green bean sauté step for varied textures and colors.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
This flavorful garlic lemon chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, add a side salad or roasted vegetables.
10. Conclusion
This lemon garlic butter chicken thighs with green beans is a testament to how simple ingredients can deliver maximum flavor. The tender, juicy chicken combined with bright citrus and aromatic garlic creates a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether for a busy weeknight or an impressive weekend dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Gather your ingredients, prep your tools, and enjoy the satisfying taste of this flavorful, healthy meal!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans
Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a lemon garlic butter sauce, served with tender green beans for a flavorful and easy dinner.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in lemon juice and add butter, simmering for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Meanwhile, steam or sauté green beans until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve chicken thighs topped with lemon garlic butter sauce and green beans on the side, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken breasts for thighs if desired.
- Adjust lemon juice for more or less acidity according to taste.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with green beans
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
