Lemon Thyme Chicken Dinner with Potatoes and Green Beans

Combine the delicious flavors of lemon and thyme in this easy chicken dinner made with potatoes and green beans for a well-rounded meal.

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Looking for a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This lemon thyme chicken recipe is an easy, flavorful dinner you can prepare with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Featuring juicy bone-in chicken thighs, fresh green beans, and golden roasted potatoes, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.

As usual, the boys were in the kitchen while I was cooking, and were begging to try the lemons. I sliced what I needed for the recipe, then gave them each a slice to eat. And, as all good parents do, I videoed it for future enjoyment! And yours, too! Despite the faces, they love lemons. Both boys ask for them in their water and will eat them straight when they can.

Tyler eating lemons:

Ryan eating lemons:

The lemon flavor was pretty strong in this dish, so I plan to cut down on the lemon next time. I know it has lemon in the name, but I would like to taste the other flavors, too. Don’t worry, I made those adjustments the second time we made the recipe.

The potatoes have to be boiled before adding to the final dish. Otherwise, this is a one-pan meal. Because the Lemon Thyme Chicken goes in and out of the oven, it wasn’t a meal that the boys could easily help prepare, but they still enjoy being in the kitchen with us. 

Cast-Iron Pan

I recently received my first cast-iron skillet as a gift from my in-laws. The pan has opened up new possibilities for family meals. I often see ideas for recipes that are cooked in a skillet in the oven. Now that I have the cast-iron, I can make delicious meals such as this Lemon Thyme Chicken!

I’ve had this recipe for Weeknight Lemon Chicken Skillet Dinner bookmarked for a long time, but wasn’t ever able to make it because of the pan situation. This was the first meal we made with the new pan. I had to learn how to use the cast-iron pan. But now, I love it!

Using a cast-iron pan is the same as any other pan. Cleaning them is a bit different. The pans shouldn’t be soaked in water. After scrubbing the pans need to be completely dried. The easiest way to do that is to put it back on the stovetop for a few minutes. Then rub it with oil before putting away. The pans are porous, so you don’t want them holding water. But don’t forget they are on the stovetop! I did one time and it set our smoke alarm off!!

Tips for Making This Delicious Recipe Work for Weeknight Dinner

• Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs if you want a leaner option, but keep the cooking times in mind.
• To save time, prep ingredients ahead and store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Perfect for minimal effort but maximum flavor, this recipe shines with fresh thyme and lemon slices for garnish. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Why This Lemon Thyme Chicken Dinner is a Great Recipe for You

• Uses fresh ingredients for the best flavors
• Simple recipe with easy-to-follow steps
• Works well on a gas grill or stovetop
• Minimal cleanup thanks to one-pan or sheet pan cooking
• Great option for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal

What to Try Next Time

Try adding a splash of chicken broth or stock to deepen the flavor even more. You can also experiment with adding bruschetta chicken style toppings or serving alongside a creamy lemon chicken pasta for a creamy lemon thyme chicken variation.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Thyme Chicken Dinner

• Serve over fluffy brown rice or white rice to soak up the lemon thyme sauce
• Pair with roasted or steamed green beans tossed with fresh thyme and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
• Add a side of golden roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal
• Garnish with lemon slices and lemon wedges for extra citrus brightness
• Complement with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon zest
• For a creamy twist, drizzle leftover creamy lemon thyme sauce over the chicken just before serving
• Pair with crusty bread to mop up any delicious pan juices
• For a low-carb option, serve alongside sautéed zucchini or cauliflower rice

Lemon Thyme Chicken Step by Step

Ingredients

• 12 oz baby red potatoes (halved)
• 3 cups water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp ground thyme
• 1/4 cup milk
• 5 tsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 lemon (sliced thin)
• 8 oz green beans
• 1 tbsp parsley

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 450F then cut the potatoes in half and boil them for about 12 minutes, until they are tender. 

Add one teaspoon of oil to a large ovenproof skillet (preferably cast-iron) and warm over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and ground thyme.

Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken. It won’t be cooked through yet. You just want a crisp outer layer.

Place the skillet with the chicken in the oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You want the chicken cooked through. The cook time will depend on the thickness of the chicken you use. After it cooks, place the pan back on the stovetop and remove the chicken.

Set the pan over medium-high heat and add two tablespoons of oil and the potatoes, cut side down. Sprinkle the potatoes with one teaspoon of ground thyme. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, The potatoes should be brown on the edges.

Whisk the flour and water in a small bowl then add to the pan with salt and pepper, chicken broth, lemon, and green beans. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes until the liquid starts to thicken.

Return the chicken to the pan then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for about 5 minutes. The green beans will be crisp-tender and the chicken warmed. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. 

Lemon Thyme Chicken Dinner Leftovers

Storage: If you have any leftover lemon thyme chicken, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent odors from spreading in the fridge. Stored this way, your leftovers will stay good for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: When reheating, it’s best to warm the chicken gently to maintain its juicy texture and avoid drying out the meat. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) until warmed through, or use a microwave on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently. 

Freezing: For longer storage, lemon thyme chicken freezes well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen chicken will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using the methods above. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying a quick weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Recipe

Lemon Thyme Chicken Dinner with Potatoes and Green Beans

Combine the delicious flavors of lemon and thyme in this easy chicken dinner made with potatoes and green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Course:

Main Dish

Cuisine:

American

Keyword:

chicken

|

chicken breast

|

green beans

|

lemon

|

potatoes

Dietary Needs:

Egg-Free

|

Nut-Free

Meat:

Chicken/Turkey

Servings: 4 servings

5 from 7 votes

Ingredients

• 12 oz baby red potatoes (halved)
• 3 cups water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp ground thyme
• 1/4 cup milk
• 5 tsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 lemon (sliced thin)
• 8 oz green beans
• 1 tbsp parsley

Recommended Equipment

• Saucepan – Medium
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Mixing Bowls – Stainless Steel
• Whisk – Wire

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 450F
• Add potatoes and water to a medium saucepan and boil for 12 minutes, until tender, and drain
• Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp oil
• Place the chicken in the pan and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp each of salt, pepper, and ground thyme
• Cook for 5 minutes, until browned on the bottom (chicken won’t be cooked through)
• Flip the chicken then place the entire pan in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is done
• Place the pan back on the stovetop and remove the chicken
• Set the pan to medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp oil
• Add the potatoes, cut side down, and brown for 3-5 minutes, stirring once
• In a small bowl, whisk the milk and flour, then pour that in the pan
• Add the remaining salt, pepper, and thyme as well as the chicken broth, lemon slices, and green beans
• Simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the liquid starts to thicken
• Place the chicken in the pan, cover, and simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is warm and the green beans are crisp-tender
• Garnish with parsley and serve immediately

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Nutrition Facts

Lemon Thyme Chicken Dinner with Potatoes and Green Beans

Amount Per Serving (1 piece)

Calories 461 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Cholesterol 146mg49%

Sodium 1310mg55%

Potassium 1486mg42%

Carbohydrates 23g8%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 52g104%

Vitamin A 615IU12%

Vitamin C 34.2mg41%

Calcium 100mg10%

Iron 4.3mg24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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