Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet is the ultimate one-pan meal, offering a perfect balance of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and rich butter. The tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and paired with fresh green beans, all coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce. This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also bursting with flavor, making it an excellent choice for dinner any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—tender, juicy chicken and perfectly crisp-tender green beans—cooked in a silky, garlicky butter sauce with a fresh lemon twist. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that requires minimal ingredients, and the one-skillet method makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender and slightly crisp. You can cover the skillet with a lid to speed up the cooking process.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and green beans.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and green beans just before serving for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
• Different Vegetables: Swap green beans with other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. To retain the texture of the green beans, reheating in the skillet is recommended.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will be slightly juicier and add a bit more flavor to the dish.

2. Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans work best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and green beans, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and combine them in the skillet.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby carrots to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

6. Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use any oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.

7. Can I make this recipe without butter?

If you want to reduce the fat or make this dairy-free, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative instead.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the sauce and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure the chicken and green beans cook evenly.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly and easily. The bright, zesty lemon and fragrant garlic complement the juicy chicken and crisp green beans, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re short on time or looking to impress your guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.