Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 lb green beans, trimmed; 2 tbsp butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon slices (for garnish)

inesboulila Golden browned chicken breast fillets pan seared to 97f17768 fb13 47af 89e6 02ae09235c44

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Short Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts with crisp green beans, all infused with a rich garlic butter sauce and a hint of lemon, makes this dish a standout. It’s low-carb, packed with protein, and bursting with fresh flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Flavor-Packed: The balance of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a deliciously savory and tangy sauce that complements both the chicken and green beans.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, this meal is great for those following a balanced diet.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs by swapping ingredients or adding more vegetables.

Ingredients

chicken breasts
green beans
butter
garlic cloves
lemon juice
chicken broth
olive oil
red pepper flakes
salt
black pepper
paprika
Italian seasoning
fresh parsley
lemon slices (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the green beans. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, then add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and enhance the flavors.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Cheesy Option: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese over the dish for added depth of flavor.
Additional Veggies: Include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for a more colorful dish.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust seasoning to taste.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken separately from the green beans in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

What other herbs work well with this recipe?

Thyme, rosemary, or basil can add a different aromatic touch.

Can I make this dish in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, adding the green beans in the last 10 minutes.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Yes, lime will add a slightly different citrusy tang but will still work well.

How do I make this dish less tangy?

Reduce the amount of lemon juice or add a small amount of honey to balance the acidity.

Can I cook this with a different protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, salmon, or even tofu can be used as a substitute.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and one-pan convenience, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a perfect blend of zest and savoriness on your plate!

Print