This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan recipe thatโs packed with flavor. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are sautรฉed 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 thatโs both healthy and satisfying.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick:ย This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as itโs ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Balanced:ย Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutritious green beans, itโs a well-balanced meal.
- Flavor-Packed:ย The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a savory, tangy sauce thatโs simply irresistible.
- One-Pan Wonder:ย Less cleanup is always a win, and this recipe only requires one skillet!
- Customizable:ย 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
- Season the Chicken:ย Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken:ย 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.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:ย In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add the butter and garlic, and sautรฉ for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Lemon and Broth:ย Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Green Beans:ย Add the green beans to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until theyโre tender but still crisp.
- Return Chicken to the Skillet:ย 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.
- Serve and Garnish:ย Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Swap:ย Try swapping the green beans for asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a different veggie twist.
- Protein Alternatives:ย Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Spicy Option:ย Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Keto-Friendly:ย 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:ย Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย 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:ย If you want to freeze leftovers, itโs best to freeze just the chicken. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and cook fresh green beans when youโre 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 165ยฐF (75ยฐC). 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 165ยฐF 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, itโs a crowd-pleaser thatโs easy to prepare. Whether youโre 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!
PrintLemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and paired with green beans, all cooked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s full of fresh flavors and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb (450g) green beans, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:ย Season the chicken breasts with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken:ย Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Green Beans:ย In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the green beans and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but remain crisp.
- Make the Sauce:ย Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Combine and Serve:ย Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken warm through for about 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Add more vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic based on your taste preference.
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