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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) - Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish) You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. They will still work well. Use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren't available. They will save you time. If you don't have olive oil, try canola or avocado oil instead. For the lemon, lime juice can add a nice twist. You can skip the red pepper flakes if you want a milder dish. - Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender during cooking. - Green Beans: They add crunch and freshness to the meal. - Olive Oil: This helps the chicken and beans cook evenly and adds flavor. - Lemon Zest and Juice: These brighten the dish and enhance the taste. - Garlic: It gives a rich, savory depth to the marinade. - Dried Thyme and Smoked Paprika: These spices add warmth and earthiness. - Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out all the flavors. - Red Pepper Flakes: They add a bit of heat if you like spice. - Parsley: It adds color and freshness before serving. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Whisk until everything blends well. This marinade gives the chicken a bright flavor. Next, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Use tongs or your hands to coat each thigh in the marinade. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes while the oven heats. This step helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. Grab a spacious sheet pan and lay the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer. Scatter the trimmed green beans around the chicken. This way, the dish looks colorful and appetizing. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the green beans. Toss them gently to coat well in the flavorful sauce. Now, place the sheet pan in the hot oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). The green beans should be tender but crisp. Once done, take the pan out and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! To make sure your chicken is cooked just right, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and not dry. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh for the best reading. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not look pink. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps keep it juicy. The marinade is key to great flavor. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright taste. Garlic adds depth, while thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes. Toss the green beans in the leftover marinade, too. This way, every part of the dish sings with flavor. You can also try adding herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra zest. Keep a close eye on your cooking time. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. Ovens can vary, so check the chicken early. If it looks golden and smells amazing, it might be ready. If your green beans aren't crisp enough, you can bake them a little longer. Just stir them halfway through to avoid burning. If you want a quicker meal, cut the chicken into smaller pieces for faster cooking. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh green beans and high-quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste and texture of your dish significantly. Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender when served. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for color and taste. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in the same marinade as the chicken. Spread them on the sheet pan with the green beans. This adds flavor and nutrition to your meal. If you like a kick, add more red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper. For a fresh taste, include herbs like rosemary or basil. You can even mix in a bit of Dijon mustard with the marinade. These changes can give your dish a new twist and keep it exciting. Want to switch up the protein? You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. If you prefer beef, try flank steak cut into strips. For a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Each protein brings its own flavor, making this dish versatile. After cooking, let the chicken and green beans cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the leftovers sealed to avoid drying out or absorbing other odors. You can freeze the chicken and green beans for longer storage. First, cool them completely. Then, place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For the best taste, enjoy your leftovers within a few days. If you have extra green beans, toss them into salads or soups. You can also shred leftover chicken for sandwiches or wraps. This way, you use every bit and keep your meals exciting! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it is best to thaw it first. Thawing ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, use the microwave to defrost it. After thawing, follow the marinade steps as usual. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. If they are pink, cook it longer. This dish goes well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base. - A fresh salad for a light crunch. - Mashed potatoes for comfort food. - Roasted carrots or broccoli for extra veggies. These sides complement the zesty chicken and green beans nicely. Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge. You can do this up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to cook, just follow the baking steps. This saves time and boosts flavor. You can grill this dish for a smoky flavor. To do this, marinate the chicken as usual. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side. Toss the green beans in a grill basket until tender. This method adds a wonderful char to your meal. This blog post covers key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips for baking chicken. We explored ingredient swaps, marinating techniques, and ways to ensure perfect doneness. We also discussed fun variations, smart storage methods, and answers to common questions. Remember, a little creativity can enhance any chicken dish. Use what you have and enjoy cooking. Your next chicken meal can be both simple and delicious. Happy cooking!

One-Pan Zesty Chicken & Green Beans Delight

A vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring marinated chicken thighs and fresh green beans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and if desired, red pepper flakes. Whisk together until all ingredients are well blended, creating a vibrant marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, using tongs or your hands to make sure each thigh is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes while the oven preheats—this will enhance the flavors.
  • On a spacious sheet pan, arrange the marinated chicken thighs in an even layer. Scatter the trimmed green beans around the chicken, creating a colorful and inviting presentation.
  • Drizzle any remaining marinade from the bowl over the green beans, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Gently toss the green beans to coat them evenly in the marinade.
  • Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the green beans are tender yet still crisp.
  • Once baking is complete, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices settle.
  • Before serving, garnish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, serve the chicken and green beans directly on the baking sheet family-style.
Keyword chicken, easy, green beans, one pan meal, zesty