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Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Green Beans


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  • Author: Penny Smith
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional)

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Lemon slices (optional, for serving)


Instructions

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest, cooking about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  • Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the green beans. Add the remaining butter around the pan.

  • 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.

  • For crispier skin, broil the pan in the oven for 2-3 minutes before serving, watching closely.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices. Spoon the sauce over the chicken when serving.

Notes

  • Bone-in chicken adds extra juiciness, but boneless works too; reduce simmer time slightly.

  • Fresh lemon will give the best bright flavor.

  • You can swap the green beans for broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini to vary the recipe.

  • 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