Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a simple and delicious dish that can brighten up your dinner table. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a rich and tangy flavor that perfectly complements tender chicken thighs. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or an easy weekend meal. Plus, it’s packed with fresh green beans, adding nutrition and color to your plate.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add green beans to the skillet to steam along with the chicken.
- Drizzle lemon juice and zest over the chicken and green beans.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs hot, directly from the skillet. This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
To store leftovers, place the chicken and green beans in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the skillet.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster. You could also use other vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, instead of green beans.
FAQs
1. Can I use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster.
2. Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, you can use garlic powder or pre-minced garlic if that’s what you have on hand.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and green beans in an airtight container. It’s best to consume it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs can be used.
- 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted butter is recommended.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- 1 each lemon (juice and zest) Use fresh lemon for optimal taste.
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed Fresh green beans enhance the dish's color and nutrition.
- Salt and pepper to taste Use according to preference.
- Fresh parsley for garnish Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add green beans to the skillet to steam along with the chicken.
- Drizzle lemon juice and zest over the chicken and green beans.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.