Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
If there’s a dish that delivers big flavor with little effort, it’s the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are seared until golden, green beans get just the right amount of snap, and everything is bathed in a lemony, buttery garlic sauce that begs for a hunk of crusty bread to soak it all up. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or something impressive for company, this all-in-one skillet wonder is a fabulous addition to your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a starring role, contributing bold flavors, vibrant colors, and irresistible aromas to this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for speedy cooking and juicy results—the classic base for this dish.
- Fresh green beans: Trimmed green beans lend crunch, color, and wholesome freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Butter imparts luxurious flavor; dividing it lets you build depth in every step.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken until beautifully golden, and balances the butter with heart-healthy fats.
- Garlic: Four cloves bring serious aroma and savory depth—don’t skimp on it!
- Lemon juice and zest: Both juice and zest brighten the entire skillet and make every bite pop.
- Chicken broth: Creates a glossy, flavorful sauce that mingles beautifully with the pan drippings.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds gentle heat, making things even more exciting for spice fans.
- Salt and black pepper: For essential seasoning—don’t forget to taste and adjust as you cook.
- Fresh parsley: Garnish at the end for a burst of herbal freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the chicken breasts and let them cook, undisturbed, for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they turn a stunning golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—this ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Without wiping the skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the aroma fills your kitchen but before it can brown. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up all the delicious bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this point if you like a little kick.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans to Perfection
Add the trimmed green beans directly into the bubbling sauce. Cover the skillet and let the beans steam for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once or twice. You want the beans to still be vibrant and crisp-tender—this keeps their gorgeous color and satisfying snap.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Combine Flavors
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce over the top. Reduce the heat slightly and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The chicken soaks up all the bright, savory flavors while the green beans finish cooking in that dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle plenty of fresh parsley over the skillet for a cheerful pop of green. Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe immediately while it’s piping hot, making sure everyone gets a generous pour of that incredible sauce.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley instantly livens up each plate, but you can also try shaved lemon zest or a few extra red pepper flakes for extra visual interest and zing. For special occasions, top each chicken breast with thin lemon slices—effortless yet elegant!
Side Dishes
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is practically a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out further, serve alongside steamed rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or buttery pasta. Crusty bread is a must for sopping up any extra sauce in the pan—trust me, you won’t want a drop to go to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, bring the skillet straight to the table for a rustic, comforting presentation. Otherwise, slice the chicken before plating and fan it out over the green beans, topping with an extra drizzle of the lemon-garlic sauce. For meal prepping, portion everything into containers for a gorgeous grab-and-go lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers from your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors actually deepen as they sit overnight—just one more reason to look forward to tomorrow’s lunch!
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, cool them completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. For best results, freeze chicken and green beans with a bit of the sauce—this helps prevent dryness when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and beans in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to re-loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in one-minute bursts until heated through. Just be sure not to overcook, so the chicken stays juicy and the beans keep a bit of bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious swap and stay especially tender and juicy. Just adjust cooking time as needed until they’re cooked through and their juices run clear.
What if I only have frozen green beans?
Frozen green beans work in a pinch—no thawing required. Just add them straight to the skillet and increase the cooking time by a minute or two, checking for doneness.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The easiest way is to use an instant-read thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have one handy, slice into the thickest piece and make sure the juices run clear.
Can I make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan buttery spread or extra olive oil. The sauce will still be bright and flavorful!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Most kids love the tender chicken and zesty sauce, but you can omit the red pepper flakes or use less garlic if your little ones prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
It’s always the simple, bright, flavorful meals like this that steal the show at my table. The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is impossibly easy, stunning to look at, and full of fresh, zesty flavor you’ll want again and again. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl soon—happy cooking!
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce, alongside fresh green beans for a wholesome and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Green Beans:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes, scraping up browned bits.
- Cook the Green Beans: Add green beans, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with green beans
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
