Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Crafting a delightful lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Bright citrus notes dance with rich, velvety butter, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle alongside crisp green beans, promising a meal that delights every sense.

Fragrant garlic infuses each bite with warmth and depth, making this dish irresistibly comforting.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients bring excitement to your kitchen, transforming simple components into something extraordinary.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add a final burst of color and freshness.

What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the lemon's brightness and cuts through the butter's richness. Its light acidity will balance the chicken's savory flavors and enhance the green beans' freshness.
• Prepare a light, herbed quinoa pilaf that absorbs the lemon garlic butter sauce while providing a protein-packed accompaniment. Its subtle nutty flavor will harmonize with the chicken's seasoned profile.
• Mix a sparkling lemon water with fresh mint leaves, creating a zesty, palate-cleansing drink that echoes the recipe's citrus notes. This non-alcoholic option provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the rich skillet dish.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. Its slightly tangy flavor and crisp exterior will perfectly complement the tender chicken and green beans.

Ways to Switch Up This Chicken Skillet

• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Replace green beans with spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb version that maintains the dish's vibrant flavors and nutritional profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil and use almond milk instead of chicken broth to create a dairy-free friendly variation that keeps the recipe's essence.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Eliminate honey and use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the sauce's balanced taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating it with the same spice blend and following the cooking method to create a plant-based alternative.

Questions About Lemon Garlic Chicken? Here’s Help

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first. Frozen green beans might release more moisture, so cook them slightly shorter to prevent becoming mushy.

• What can I substitute if I don't have chicken broth?

You can use water, vegetable broth, or white wine as alternative liquid bases. Each will slightly change the sauce’s flavor profile but will still work well.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

It’s a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken and vegetables. The butter and olive oil add healthy fats, making it a nutritious one-pan dinner option with moderate calories.

What Makes Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken So Popular

• Effortlessly prepare a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup using just a single skillet.
• Whip up this tasty chicken dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combine lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich green beans, creating a balanced meal that's both delicious and wholesome.
• Easily adjust the sauce's heat with red pepper flakes or modify seasonings to suit personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

• Chicken Fillets: Lean protein that forms the main dish, boneless and skinless recommended for easy cooking.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Seasonings that add depth and complexity to chicken flavor, dried spices preferred for consistent taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste, kosher or sea salt works best.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element, adds gentle heat to the dish.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base, unsalted preferred for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic flavor, adds depth to sauce.
• Olive Oil: Cooking medium with healthy fat, helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Builds sauce foundation, adds moisture and additional savory notes.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy flavor, fresh lemon recommended over bottled.
• Honey: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness, helps create sauce glaze.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herb note, enhances visual appeal of final dish.
• Green Beans: Vegetable side that complements chicken, crisp-tender texture desired.

How to Make This One-Skillet Chicken Dish

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage these spices all over the chicken, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat up a skillet with olive oil over medium flame. Carefully place chicken in the pan and cook until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and juicy. Once done, set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Transform Green Beans into Crispy Delights

In the same skillet, drizzle a bit more olive oil. Toss in green beans and season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook until they become wonderfully crisp-tender with just a hint of crunch. Remove beans and set aside.

Step 4: Create a Magical Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Let everything simmer and dance together, blending flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Bring the Dish Together

Return chicken and green beans to the skillet. Lovingly coat everything with the luscious sauce. Let it all warm through, letting the flavors mingle and marry.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Chicken and Green Beans Perfection

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Adjust Cooking Time Wisely: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Modify red pepper flakes amount to match your heat preference, creating a personalized taste experience.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems too thin, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch to achieve a richer, more velvety texture that clings beautifully to chicken and beans.
• Enhance Vegetable Crunch: Choose fresh, firm green beans and avoid overcooking to maintain a delightful crisp-tender texture that complements the tender chicken.

Best Practices for Reheating Skillet Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 34 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and green beans to freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Heat in 3045 second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and preserve the dish's delicious flavors.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet delivers Mediterranean magic on one pan with minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken nestles among crisp green beans, creating a simple yet sophisticated meal packed with zesty, herb-infused flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or 4 small chicken fillets)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Vegetables:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant seasoning blend by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then generously coat each chicken fillet with the aromatic mixture.
2. Ignite a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and carefully place seasoned chicken fillets into the sizzling pan. Sear each side until a golden-brown crust develops and the meat is thoroughly cooked, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce another splash of olive oil and tumble in the green beans. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then gently toss to ensure even cooking. Saute until the beans reach a vibrant, crisp-tender state, roughly 4-5 minutes. Relocate the beans to a separate dish.
4. Reduce the heat and melt butter in the same skillet, immediately adding minced garlic. Allow the garlic to dance and release its fragrant essence for about 60 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, honey, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the liquid simmer and reduce, melding the flavors together for 2-3 minutes.
5. Reintroduce the chicken and green beans to the skillet, gently bathing them in the luxurious sauce. Allow everything to warm through and intermingle for an additional 2-3 minutes. Finish the dish by scattering fresh parsley across the top, creating a visually appealing and aromatic meal ready to be served.

Notes

• Opt for chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness; use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Swap green beans with asparagus or broccoli for variety, maintaining similar cooking techniques and timing.
• Reduce honey or use sugar-free alternatives for low-carb diets, ensuring the sauce retains its rich, balanced flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg