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Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Green Beans

Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Green Beans - recipe card

A one-pan meal where bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roast to golden, crispy perfection alongside tender-crisp green beans tossed in a savory pan sauce. The chicken stays juicy with a flavorful herb and lemon seasoning, while the beans absorb the drippings, making every bite packed with savory, bright flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lb / 1.36 kg total)
  • 1 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). This high heat is key to crisping the chicken skin while keeping the meat juicy and ensuring the green beans roast quickly without turning soggy.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—moisture on the skin prevents browning and crispiness. If you have time, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes to dry out the skin further.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, melted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well blended to form a flavorful paste.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl, add the mustard-herb paste, and toss until every thigh is evenly coated. Make sure to rub the paste under the skin as well for deeper flavor (lift the skin with your fingers and rub the paste directly onto the meat).
  5. On a large rimmed sheet pan (18×13 inches), spread the green beans in a single layer. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat.
  6. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the green beans, skin side up. Place them evenly spaced so they don’t overlap; this ensures even heat circulation and crispy skins. Pour the chicken broth around them (not over the skin) to create steam that helps cook the beans and creates a light pan sauce.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, avoiding the bone. The green beans should be tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges.
  8. If the chicken skin isn’t as crispy as desired, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. The skin should be crackling and golden.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Spoon some of the pan drippings over the green beans before serving.
  10. Serve the chicken and green beans directly from the sheet pan or transfer to a platter. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing: Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, but green beans may become soft upon thawing. Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 400°F (204°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and skin re-crisps. You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the skin will lose crispiness.

Nutrition

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