Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is a dish that everyone should try at least once. It brings together simple ingredients to create a delightful meal. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal with family and friends. One of the best things about this dish is how the flavors blend together. The lemon adds brightness, the garlic provides a savory depth, and the butter brings everything together in a rich sauce. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you!

This recipe highlights chicken thighs, which are juicy and packed with flavor. If you love easy, delicious meals that don’t require long hours in the kitchen, this is just the right recipe for you.

Whether you are new to cooking or have years of experience, you’ll find this dish approachable and satisfying. It’s also an excellent way to serve a healthy dose of greens with the addition of fresh green beans. With all these benefits, it’s clear why this dish should be on your dinner table.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

4 chicken thighs
2 cups green beans
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken thighs, ensuring they become tender and juicy. Make sure your oven is ready before you begin cooking.
Melt the butter and sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Adding the garlic to the melted butter allows it to sauté gently. Stir the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Burning garlic can create a bitter taste that you want to avoid in your dish.
Season and brown the chicken thighs: While the garlic is sautéing, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5-7 minutes each side. This step is essential for locking in the flavors and juices of the chicken.
Add lemon juice and green beans: After the chicken has browned, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the thighs evenly. This lemon juice not only adds a bright flavor but also helps in tenderizing the meat. Next, throw in the green beans around the chicken in the skillet. The beans will soak in the buttery, garlicky flavors as they cook.
Transfer to the oven: Now it’s time to transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken and green beans for about 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The green beans should be tender but still retain a bit of crispness.
Garnish and serve: Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor. Serve the chicken and green beans warm, and enjoy the wonderful combination of lemon, garlic, and butter.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Serving Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. You can serve the chicken and green beans directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Here are a few ideas on how to make your meal even more memorable:

Serve with rice or quinoa: These sides are perfect for soaking up all the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
Pair with a salad: A light green salad can balance out the richness of the chicken dish.
Bread on the side: Serve with warm bread, such as a baguette or dinner rolls. This addition can help mop up any remaining sauce in the skillet.
Wine pairing: Consider serving this dish with a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to enhance the meal.

How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

If you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:

Cool the dish: Allow the chicken and green beans to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial as it helps to prevent condensation which can make the food soggy.
Transfer to an airtight container: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can separate the chicken and green beans or keep them together based on your preference.
Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The dish should safely last for about 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and beans:

Freezing: If you choose to freeze, wrap the chicken and green beans tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil to keep the chicken moist.

Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Choose bone-in chicken thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless. If you prefer boneless, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Fresh garlic is best: Using fresh garlic will give you the best flavor. If you only have garlic powder, you can substitute, but know that the flavor won’t be as strong.
Don’t rush the browning step: Browning the chicken thighs is critical for flavor. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
Adjust cooking time based on size: Cooking times may vary based on the size of your chicken thighs. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).

Variations

Add vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli to the skillet. They will cook nicely in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Use different herbs: While parsley is a classic garnish, you can mix it up with thyme, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Lemon alternatives: If you want to switch the citrus flavor, try using lime juice instead of lemon juice. It gives a slightly different taste but is equally delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more easily. Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely, as breasts may cook faster than thighs.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Season the chicken and chop the green beans, then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

What can I substitute for butter?

If you want a lighter option, you can substitute olive oil for the butter. It will change the flavor slightly but still create a delicious meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional items you serve alongside it, such as bread, are also gluten-free.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can cook the seasoned chicken thighs and green beans in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add lemon juice towards the last hour to keep the flavors fresh.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Simple ingredients combined thoughtfully make this dish extraordinary. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Author: zoubirlahcen
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken thighs, green beans, and a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken thighs
2 cups green beans
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for 5-7 minutes on each side.
Add the lemon juice and green beans around the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with rice or quinoa and pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken, lemon, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipes, weeknight dinner