First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN AND GREEN BEANS

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare your ingredients so everything comes together seamlessly.

1. Prep the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. The seasoning adds flavor directly to the meat, and thyme complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
2. Trim the Green Beans: Trim the ends off the green beans and give them a quick rinse under cold water. If you have larger green beans, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces, but smaller, tender beans work best for this recipe.

Second Step: SEAR THE CHICKEN THIGHS

The next step is to sear the chicken thighs, which will lock in their juices and create a crispy, golden exterior.

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to get hot before adding any oil. This ensures the chicken will sear properly, giving it that beautiful golden-brown crust.
2. Add Butter: Once the skillet is hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, swirling it around the pan to coat the surface evenly. The butter adds flavor and richness to the chicken and creates a luscious base for the sauce.
3. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Let them cook without moving them for about 6-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Once the skin is crisped up, flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Third Step: COOK THE GREEN BEANS

With the chicken cooked and resting, it’s time to cook the green beans in the same skillet, so they soak up all the delicious flavors left behind by the chicken.

1. Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add a little more butter (about 1 tablespoon) and let it melt. Add the green beans and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
2. Season the Green Beans: Season the green beans with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) for added flavor. The green beans will pick up all the savory bits of chicken and butter, giving them a rich, delicious flavor.

Fourth Step: MAKE THE LEMON GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

Now, it’s time to make the lemon garlic butter sauce that will bring everything together. This sauce is the key to the dish’s bright, aromatic flavors.

1. Add Garlic: Push the green beans to one side of the skillet, creating a space for the garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side of the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful, as garlic can burn quickly.
2. Add Lemon: Zest the lemon directly into the skillet and squeeze in the lemon juice. Stir to combine with the garlic and butter. The zest adds an aromatic, citrusy note, while the juice provides a fresh burst of acidity that balances the richness of the butter and chicken.
3. Deglaze the Pan: If needed, add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful bits that may be stuck to the bottom. This will help create a flavorful sauce and keep everything from drying out.

Final Step: COMBINE AND SERVE

Now that everything is cooked, it’s time to bring it all together for the final presentation.

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken to coat it with the flavorful sauce.
2. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. The parsley adds a herbaceous touch that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Green Beans Skillet hot, with the chicken thighs placed on top of the green beans, and extra sauce drizzled over everything. You can serve it as is, or pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad.