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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe with Green Beans Skillet

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Juicy lemon garlic butter chicken thighs seared until golden, then simmered in a silky lemon garlic sauce with tender green beans, all made in one skillet! This quick and easy weeknight dinner is bursting with bright, buttery flavor and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Sauce:

  • 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on, about 2 ½ lbs / 1.1 kg)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 large lemon – zest and juice (about 3 tbsp juice, 1 tbsp zest)

  • ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth

  • 12 ounces (340 g) fresh green beans, trimmed

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Season the chicken:
    Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (helps crisp the skin). Season both sides with salt and pepper.

  • Sear the chicken:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook 5–7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  • Make the lemon garlic butter sauce:
    Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in butter until melted. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.

  • Add the green beans:
    Toss green beans in the sauce and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.

  • Return chicken to the pan:
    Nestle the chicken thighs back in, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the top. Cover and simmer 6–8 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and green beans are tender-crisp.

  • Finish & serve:
    Sprinkle with parsley or thyme and serve hot, spooning extra sauce over each piece.

Notes

  • Baked option: After searing, transfer skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven and bake 10 minutes until cooked through — perfect for lemon chicken thigh recipes baked.

  • Low sodium version: Use low-sodium broth and unsalted butter. Lemon and garlic give tons of flavor without much salt.

  • Serving ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that gorgeous sauce.

  • Storage: Keeps 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.wellnesswarrior.org/lemon-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-green-beans-skillet/