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- Chicken Thighs: Use 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone adds flavor and moisture. - Marinade Ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Green Beans: Get 1 pound of fresh green beans. Trim the ends for a neat look. The chicken thighs bring rich flavors, while the marinade enhances each bite. Olive oil and lemon juice help tenderize the meat. Garlic adds an aromatic touch, making your dish pop. The fresh green beans provide a crisp contrast. They balance the meal with color and nutrients, giving you that fresh vibe. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large bowl. Combine 4 minced garlic cloves, lemon zest from 1 lemon, juice from 2 lemons, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Now, take your 4 chicken thighs and rub that marinade all over them. Make sure every part is covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge. Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, prepare a baking sheet. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This rack helps heat circulate around the chicken, making it crispier. Once your chicken has marinated, arrange the thighs skin-side up on the rack. This position allows the skin to get nice and crispy as they roast. Roast the chicken in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of trimmed green beans and cook them for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This step stops the cooking and keeps them vibrant. After they cool, drain again and set aside. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper before serving. To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start with a dry surface. Pat the skin with paper towels before marinating. This helps the skin crisp up nicely in the oven. Use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. It helps cook the chicken evenly and keeps it crispy. Always check the internal temperature. You want it to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. For tender-crisp green beans, boil them for just 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and still a little firm. After boiling, place them in ice water. This stops the cooking and helps them stay crisp. When sautéing, use unsalted butter for flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste while cooking. You can also toss in garlic or lemon zest for extra flavor. This makes the green beans shine on the plate. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making the chicken more flavorful and tender. Ensure Crispy Skin: Placing the chicken on a wire rack helps the skin to get crispy all around. Avoid overcrowding the pan to let hot air circulate freely. Bright Green Beans: To maintain the vibrant green color and crisp texture of green beans, plunge them into an ice bath immediately after boiling. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier and more succulent meat. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Chicken breasts cook faster and are leaner. Just remember they may not be as juicy as thighs. For green beans, try using broccoli or asparagus. Both add a crunch and a fresh taste. To change the flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. These herbs give a nice twist to the lemon and garlic. You can also try spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. For vegetables, consider bell peppers or zucchini. Both will add color and taste to your meal. To keep your lemon garlic chicken thighs and green beans fresh, follow these steps: - Cool Down: Let the chicken and green beans cool to room temperature. - Use Airtight Containers: Store them in airtight containers to avoid moisture loss. - Separate Storage: It’s best to store chicken and green beans in separate containers. This keeps flavors distinct. - Refrigerate: Place the containers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Leftovers can last for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Reheating chicken and green beans can be tricky, but here are methods to keep them juicy: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken and green beans on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Stovetop Method: In a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Heat on medium, then add chicken and green beans. Cover and stir occasionally until warmed through. - Microwave Method: Place chicken and green beans on a microwave-safe plate. Add a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot. These methods help prevent drying out, so your meal stays tasty! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster, about 20-25 minutes. Bone-in thighs have more flavor and stay juicier. If you use boneless, adjust cooking time. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Lemon garlic chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Mashed potatoes for creaminess - Rice or quinoa for a hearty option - A fresh salad for crunch - Roasted carrots for a sweet touch - Garlic bread to soak up juices You can store leftover chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last 2-6 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If in doubt, throw it out. This blog post covered how to make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with green beans. We discussed the key ingredients needed and how to marinate the chicken for great flavor. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting both the chicken and green beans. Always remember, cooking is fun and a chance to try new things. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your meals. Making this dish can lead to a tasty dinner that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Green Beans

A flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs roasted to perfection, served with sautéed green beans.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece zest of lemon
  • 2 pieces lemons, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and rub the marinade all over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor).
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. This will allow heat to circulate around the chicken.
  • Once marinated, place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • While the chicken is roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
  • In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken thighs on a plate with a side of sautéed green beans. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Keyword chicken, garlic, green beans, lemon