Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan recipe that’s packed with flavor. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are sautéed in a delicious garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, paired perfectly with fresh, crisp green beans. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutritious green beans, it’s a well-balanced meal.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a savory, tangy sauce that’s simply irresistible.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win, and this recipe only requires one skillet!
• Customizable: You can easily add other veggies or swap out the chicken for another protein.

Ingredients

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

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

Directions

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add the butter and garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Lemon and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Cook the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until they’re tender but still crisp.
6. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the chicken back into the skillet with the green beans and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Swap: Try swapping the green beans for asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a different veggie twist.
• Protein Alternatives: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Keto-Friendly: To make this recipe keto-friendly, omit the chicken broth or use a low-carb broth and make sure the green beans fit within your carb limit.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the chicken moist. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze just the chicken. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and cook fresh green beans when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or olive oil.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the skillet and cook the green beans fresh when ready to serve.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

6. Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be mindful that the taste may be slightly different.

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

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer.

8. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure that the chicken is cooked through to 165°F before serving.

9. What other herbs can I use instead of parsley?

You can try using fresh basil, thyme, or cilantro as an alternative to parsley.

10. Can I add potatoes to this skillet?

Yes, you can add small baby potatoes or diced potatoes to this recipe. Parboil them first to ensure they cook through evenly when added to the skillet.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With juicy chicken, crisp green beans, and a tangy garlic butter sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with easy customization options, you can make it your own every time!

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