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This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Green Beans Skillet serves up a juicy, flavorful, and comforting dinner all cooked in one pan. The chicken thighs stay tender and moist while soaking up the rich garlic butter and bright lemon sauce. Paired with fresh green beans, this meal strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness without any fuss. It is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying but simple. With everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, this skillet meal feels special but comes together quickly.
This dish quickly became a weeknight favorite for me because it delivers big flavors with minimal effort. I especially love how the green beans retain a nice crunch while soaking in the buttery sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: boneless and skinless one and a half pounds these stay juicier than breasts and develop great flavor
- Green beans: twelve ounces trimmed add freshness and a crunchy contrast
- Garlic cloves: four minced the backbone of the rich garlic butter sauce
- Paprika: one teaspoon adds mild smokiness, choose a quality sweet or mild paprika
- Dried thyme: half a teaspoon provides subtle earthy undertones
- Salt: half a teaspoon enhances all flavors use fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper: half a teaspoon adds a touch of heat and depth
- Butter: three tablespoons brings richness and smoothness to the sauce
- Olive oil: one tablespoon helps sear the chicken beautifully
- Chicken broth: half a cup deglazes the pan and adds savory moisture
- Lemon zest and juice: of one lemon brightens the dish with fresh acidity
- Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish gives freshness and a pop of color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme evenly on both sides. This seasoning mixture builds the flavor base before any cooking.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs carefully and cook without moving for about five to six minutes until the underside is golden brown and caramelized. Flip and cook the other side until equally golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about thirty seconds. This step infuses the butter with garlic aroma without burning it.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to lift all the flavorful browned bits. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest to create a bright and fragrant sauce.
- Add Green Beans:
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and stir or toss them into the lemon garlic butter sauce, ensuring every bean is coated. Let them simmer gently for three to four minutes until they turn a vibrant green and begin to soften but still have crispness.
- Combine and Finish Cooking:
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet nestling them into the green beans and sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top to keep them moist. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for eight to ten minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the green beans are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting, family-style meal.
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My favorite part of this meal is the buttery lemon sauce that elevates simple ingredients to something memorable. It's a recipe that never fails to bring family members to the table eagerly, especially on chilly evenings.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce looks thick or dry to loosen it and refresh the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh green beans, you can substitute frozen ones but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water. For an herb twist, fresh thyme can be used instead of dried but reduce the quantity by half. Chicken breasts can be used but adjust cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet dinner over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the sauce or alongside quinoa for a protein boost. A simple green salad with vinaigrette makes a nice light side if you want more veggies. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping the excess butter sauce.
Cultural Context
This dish blends flavors common in Mediterranean cooking where lemon and garlic brighten hearty, rustic meat dishes. One-pan meals like this have risen in popularity among home cooks looking for efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Pro Tips
Make sure to dry the chicken well before seasoning to achieve the best sear. Don't rush the garlic step as lightly cooking it brings out its sweetness without bitterness. Covering the skillet during the final cooking step traps steam and ensures the chicken and beans cook evenly.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs stay moist and develop rich flavor during cooking, making them perfect for this skillet preparation.
- → Can I substitute fresh green beans with frozen?
Yes, but thaw and drain frozen green beans before adding to maintain texture and avoid excess moisture.
- → How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Covering the skillet to gently simmer the chicken after searing allows it to cook evenly without drying out.
- → What does the lemon juice contribute to the dish?
Lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of butter and garlic without overwhelming the flavors.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen if made a day ahead, making it suitable for meal prep.
- → What sides complement this skillet meal?
Simple grains like rice or quinoa pair nicely, or enjoy the dish as a complete, protein-rich option on its own.