Description
Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken skillet delivers Mediterranean magic in one pan, blending zesty citrus with rich butter and aromatic herbs. Effortless preparation meets gourmet flavor, promising a restaurant-quality meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee for paleo diet)
- ½ cup chicken stock
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal surface for caramelization and enhanced flavor development.
- Combine onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
- Thoroughly massage the spice mixture into each chicken thigh, allowing the seasonings to penetrate and infuse the meat for approximately 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare green beans by placing them in a microwave-safe container with 125 milliliters (½ cup) of water, then cook for 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp but still vibrant green.
- Melt 60 grams () of unsalted butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, creating a rich cooking surface.
- Carefully position the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down, cooking for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms; flip and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a temporary plate, then add remaining butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes to the same skillet.
- Incorporate pre-cooked green beans into the skillet, sautéing the mixture for 4-5 minutes to develop complex flavor profiles.
- Pour fresh lemon juice and chicken stock into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reduce and create a slightly thickened, glossy sauce.
- Reintroduce the chicken thighs to the skillet, gently coating them in the aromatic sauce and warming through on low heat.
- Plate the chicken and green beans, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes, fresh parsley sprigs, and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Perfectly dried chicken ensures a golden-brown crust that seals in juicy flavors.
- Quick spice blend creates a robust seasoning profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Prepping green beans ahead saves valuable cooking time and maintains crisp texture.
- Precise skillet technique guarantees even cooking and beautiful caramelization on chicken.
- Strategic layering of ingredients builds complex, mouthwatering taste dimensions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg