Description
A comforting, bright, and flavorful skillet dinner perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce alongside crisp green beans for a balanced and satisfying meal that comes together easily with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
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6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional)
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1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the green beans and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the green beans. Add the remaining butter around the pan.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the green beans are tender-crisp.
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For crispier skin, broil the pan in the oven for 2-3 minutes before serving, watching closely.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices. Spoon the sauce over the chicken when serving.
Notes
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Bone-in chicken adds extra juiciness, but boneless works too; reduce simmer time slightly.
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Fresh lemon will give the best bright flavor.
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You can swap the green beans for broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini to vary the recipe.
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Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat best in a skillet with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes