Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet

This Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet recipe highlights the perfect harmony of juicy chicken thighs and crisp green beans, brought together with a rich lemony garlic butter sauce. In one pan, you can achieve a quick and delightful dinner that your family will adore.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet

This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of lemon and garlic brightens the dish, while the butter adds richness, making it comfort food without the fuss. Here are a few reasons you’ll love this recipe:

Quick Prep and Cook Time: This dish comes together in one skillet, making cleanup fast and easy.
Bold Flavors: The garlic and lemon create an irresistible sauce that enhances both the chicken and the green beans.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the green beans, it’s a nutritious meal choice.
Versatile: Substitute the green beans with your favorite vegetables for a delightful twist.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet

Ingredients:

4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 2 to 2.5 pounds total)
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 large lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
Carefully remove chicken thighs from packaging. Pat them very dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Trim any excess fat if desired.
Trim the Green Beans:
Snap or cut off the stem ends of each bean. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
Mince Garlic and Zest/Juice Lemon:
Peel and mince 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic. Zest the entire large lemon, avoiding the white pith. Slice the lemon in half and juice it, collecting about 3-4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Melt Butter and Olive Oil (for Sauce Base):
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, warm for 30 seconds. Add half of the unsalted butter (¼ cup) to the skillet, melt, and swirl to coat the pan.
Sauté the Garlic:
Add minced garlic to the skillet. Reduce heat slightly to medium-low. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until wonderfully fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
Build the Sauce Base:
To the fragrant garlic, add lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and slightly reduce. Remove skillet from heat.
Sear the Chicken Thighs:
Wipe out the skillet (or use a fresh one). Add the remaining ¼ cup of butter and the other 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the clean skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and sizzling, carefully place seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
Cook Skin-Side Down:
Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes on the skin side until deeply golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to peek or move them.
Flip and Finish Cooking:
Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken thighs over. Reduce the heat to medium. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part (avoiding bone).
Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
Cook the Green Beans:
While chicken rests, return the skillet (with drippings) to medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Add a splash of water or broth if the pan seems dry.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once green beans are nearly done, pour the reserved lemon garlic butter sauce base (from step 6) into the skillet with the green beans. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Gently nestle the rested chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them.
Simmer and Infuse:
Allow everything to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat, letting the chicken warm through and the flavors meld and deepen.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving platter.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet for an appealing presentation. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like rice or a light salad. The lemon garlic butter sauce makes it an excellent complement over grains or pasta as well.

How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer any leftover chicken and green beans to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.

Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet Perfect

Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs very dry to achieve a crispy skin.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon will enhance the flavors immensely.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If cooking in batches, ensure enough space between the chicken thighs for even cooking.
Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps keep it juicy.

Flavor Variations

Vegetable Options: Substitute green beans with asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for different flavors.
Herb Additions: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauté for a unique twist.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce to the sauce base.

Pro Tips for Success

Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a proper sear.
Experiment with different types of citrus for the juice, such as lime or orange, for a different flavor profile.
Use skinless thighs if you prefer a lighter option, though the skin adds a lot of flavors.

FAQs About Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used; however, they may cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when ready to serve. This can also help the flavors meld better.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Leftovers can be frozen. Place the chicken and green beans in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Garlic Butter Thighs And Green Beans Skillet is a perfect example of a family-friendly meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. With its ease of preparation and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Enjoy the robust flavors and juicy chicken, knowing that every bite is satisfying and good for you!