Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 pound green beans, trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for green beans); Salt to taste

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🌟 Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans Delight 🍋🧄🍗

1. Introduction

If you’re seeking a flavorful, juicy, and easy-to-make chicken dinner, then this lemon garlic chicken recipe is perfect for you. Combining tender chicken thighs cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with crisp green beans, this dish offers a delightful harmony of citrus tang and savory richness. Whether you’re a busy home cook or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this chicken thighs recipe delivers on taste, simplicity, and healthiness. Read on to learn how to create this divine dish that will impress family and friends alike!

2. Ingredients Needed for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans

4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, juiced and zested
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound fresh green beans
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Green Beans

Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest on both sides. Allow to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if using bone-in, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic-Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Squeeze in the lemon juice, add lemon zest, and cook for another minute to meld the flavors.

Cook the Green Beans

While the sauce is simmering, add the green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter sauce, season with salt and red pepper flakes if desired, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. For a variation, you can blanch or steam the green beans separately for extra crunch.

Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the green beans. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and green beans, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and meld flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

4. Storage Tips for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. To preserve the crispness of the green beans, consider reheating separately in the microwave or oven.

5. Serving Suggestions for Lemon Chicken and Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of creamy orzo, roasted potatoes, or a fresh summer cheese board for a light, vibrant meal. For a complete and satisfying dinner, serve with crusty bread or a simple quinoa salad.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and may dry out if overdone. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in this recipe.

What other vegetables can I include?

Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The entire process from prep to serving takes approximately 30-40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Can I make this dish healthier?

Opt for skinless chicken thighs and steam or blanch the green beans to reduce oil and calorie content. Using less butter is also a tasty option.

7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for quick chicken cooking and crisping vegetables without added oil.
T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures non-stick cooking for easy cleanup and even heat distribution.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Ideal for grilling the chicken for a smoky flavor or air frying vegetables.
Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker: Pair your meal with a delicious coffee for the perfect dinner ending.

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9. Conclusion

This lemon garlic chicken dish with green beans is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare meal. Combining juicy chicken Thighs with fresh green beans in a zingy garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, this recipe is versatile, quick, and adaptable to your preferences. Give it a try today, and elevate your weeknight dinner repertoire!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe with Green Beans