Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Cooking is a little like magic, isn’t it? Just a handful of humble ingredients can transform into something wondrous. With this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe, you’ll be conjuring up a meal that’s just as enchanting as it sounds. This dish has a special place in my heart—it’s the one that makes my kitchen feel like Sunday dinner at grandma’s, even on a Tuesday night. The bright zing of the lemon pairs beautifully with garlic and butter, creating a flavor symphony that dances on your taste buds. Trust me; it’s worth every moment spent in the kitchen!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This dish does more than just nourish; it embodies warmth, comfort, and joy. The tender chicken thighs, kissed by the rich, buttery goodness and the sharp brightness of lemon, create a balance that sings to the soul. And don’t even get me started on the green beans! They soak up just enough of that luscious sauce while offering a delightful crunch.

Why make this for dinner tonight? Because it’s quick yet undeniably sophisticated. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful dish for unexpected guests. It’s also a fantastic way to make your week feel special without too much fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan wonder? That means less cleanup—a win-win in my book!

Gather these ingredients

To create this zingy delight, you’ll need:

• Chicken Thighs: Four beautiful, bone-in, skin-on thighs provide not only moisture but also a deep, rich flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting with chicken breast, but be cautious—many find that thighs are more forgiving in cooking.

• Butter: Just two tablespoons of quality butter work wonders here. I recommend unsalted so you can control the seasoning, but if you only have salted, go ahead and enjoy it—this dish can handle a little extra flavor.

• Garlic: Three cloves of garlic, minced finely. This is where the magic begins; fresh garlic gives an unmatched aroma and punch. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but it won’t shine quite as bright.

• Lemon: Juice of one good-sized lemon! This brings the zing, cutting through the richness of the butter and chicken. You can also zest it for an extra layer of flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning, don’t skip it! Use your favorite variety; kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper work best for depth.

• Green Beans: A generous amount, trimmed and ready to go. These not only add a pop of color but also a delightful crunch, making this a well-rounded meal.

The cooking process explained

Alright, here’s where the fun begins!

1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet, bring your butter to life over medium heat. Let it bubble gently, but don’t let it brown—just a silky melt is what we want.

2. Sauté the garlic: Toss in your minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant. I can already smell the magic brewing, can you? This should take about a minute—keep an eye on it; garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

3. Add the chicken: Season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, and nestle them skin-side down into that buttery glory. Let them sizzle away until beautifully browned on each side, around 6-7 minutes. You want that lovely golden crust!

4. Lemon juice splash: Once the chicken is browned, pour the fresh lemon juice all over the thighs. This is where the dish starts to shine.

5. Green beans join the party: Add your trimmed green beans to the skillet. They’ll soak up that magic lemony butter flavor as they cook.

6. Cover and simmer: Pop a lid on that skillet and let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes. This steams the green beans and ensures your chicken is cooked through.

7. Serve and enjoy: Once everything is tender and fragrant, serve it hot, spooning that luscious sauce over the top. You’ve just created something wonderful!

Best way to enjoy it

Serving this dish is a breeze! Place the chicken and green beans on a lovely plate, and don’t hold back on that buttery sauce—it’s liquid gold. You could pair this with a fluffy pile of rice or some crispy roasted potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a fresh twist, a side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully, balancing the richness.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving to elevate flavors with a fresh herbaceous touch.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just pop it back into a pan over low heat until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to bring back that sauce’s magic.

If you’re planning ahead for the future, this dish can be frozen too. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing, and enjoy it within two months for the best quality.

Pro chef tips

Here are some insider secrets that will take your cooking up a notch:

• Brining chicken: If time allows, brining your chicken thighs in a simple saltwater solution for a few hours can take their juiciness to another level.

• Extra flavor: A splash of white wine or chicken broth can be added along with the lemon juice for an extra layer of complexity.

• Don’t rush the browning: The perfect sear is like a good mystery novel—worth the wait! Get that lovely color before flipping.

• Vegetable swap: If green beans aren’t your thing, asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini can easily take their place while soaking in that yummy sauce.

Creative Twists

If you’re in the mood to mingle flavors, consider these fun variations:

• Herbaceous touch: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet along with the garlic. They infuse the chicken with a wonderful fragrance that speaks of gourmet dining.

• Spicy kick: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne can elevate the dish.

• Citrus mix: Lemon isn’t the only player in the game—a splash of orange juice adds a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with garlic.

Ingredients list

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green beans, trimmed

Step-by-step instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
4. Cook until browned on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
5. Pour lemon juice over chicken, add green beans to the skillet.
6. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until green beans are tender.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Your questions answered

• How long does this take to prepare? The entire process is about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Just remember they may cook a bit faster.

• What should I serve with this? A side salad or roasted potatoes works beautifully.

• Is this dish freezable? Yes, it freezes well! Just store in an airtight container.

• Can I make it ahead of time? You can prepare it a day before and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

There you have it! This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to embrace flavor, creativity, and comfort. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and allow yourself to create something special. And remember, as you cook, feel free to sprinkle in your own unique flair—after all, cooking is all about making it your own! I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Cooking Method: Roasting, Sauteing Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: E Easy High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 30 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe is a heartwarming dish that balances the richness of butter with the zing of lemon and garlic. It's quick to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.)
• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted (Can use salted butter if that's what you have.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor.)
• 1 piece lemon, juice (Zest can be added for extra flavor.)
• to taste salt and pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
• generous amount green beans, trimmed (Adds color and crunch to the dish.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Directions

1. Melt the Butter

   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it's silky.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the Garlic

   Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
   Mark as complete

3. Add the Chicken

   Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and place them skin-side down in the skillet.
   Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes each side.
   Mark as complete

4. Pour Lemon Juice

   Once browned, pour the lemon juice over the chicken.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Green Beans

   Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, mixing well.
   Mark as complete

6. Cover and Simmer

   Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes.
   This ensures the green beans are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Serve hot, spooning the buttery sauce over the top.
   Pair with rice or roasted potatoes for best enjoyment.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 26g40%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 500mg21%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 10g4%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

---

Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 4 mg

Iron 6 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 15 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0 mg

Niacin 15 mg

Vitamin B6 20 mg

Folate 4 mcg

Vitamin B12 5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 2 mg

Phosphorus 20 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 4 mg

Zinc 10 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 2 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a creative twist, try adding fresh herbs or a splash of white wine.

Keywords: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken, easy chicken recipes, one-pan meals, chicken thighs