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A vibrant skillet of golden lemon garlic butter chicken thighs with tender green beans, ready to serve.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Green Beans Skillet

This one-pan lemon garlic butter chicken with green beans is a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken and crisp green beans are coated in a zesty, flavorful sauce, delivering a complete and satisfying dish with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe brings vibrant taste to your table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Calories: 374

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup chicken broth, divided
  • 12 ounces fresh green beans
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 4-5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • garnishes like fresh parsley, fresh dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet with a lid (12-inch is ideal)
  • Tongs
  • small bowl
  • Plate for resting chicken and beans

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet (use one with a lid) over medium heat. Add ¼ cup chicken broth and the fresh green beans. Cover with the lid and cook for 5 minutes to steam. Remove the lid and cook another 2-3 minutes to cook out the liquid. Transfer the green beans to a bowl or a plate and set aside.
  2. While the green beans steam, combine 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika in a small dish.
  3. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels and season them generously on both sides with the seasoning blend.
  4. Add the oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. When it glistens, add the chicken thighs (lay them out flat) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until they’re done. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the green beans.
  5. Turn the heat to medium and iImmediately deglaze the pan with the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth. Scrape up any stuck bits.
  6. Add the garlic, lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture over low heat until the sauce has reduced by about half. Mix in the butter and cook another 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add the chicken and green beans back into the pan and gently mix them in with the sauce and let them reheat in the pan for about 2-3 minutes, if needed.
  8. Serve with fresh lemon slices, freshly chopped parsley or dill, and extra red pepper flakes, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 27gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, pat chicken dry for a better sear and avoid crowding the pan. Deglaze the pan to capture all the flavorful 'fond'. Adding cold butter helps emulsify the sauce for a richer texture. This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop. Feel free to add more vegetables, different herbs like rosemary or thyme, or increase the red pepper flakes for more heat. A splash of cream can make the sauce richer.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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