Introduction
Looking for a recipe that’s quick, delicious, and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the answer! With perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, tender green beans, and a buttery, garlicky sauce with a citrusy kick, it’s a dish that will make its way into your regular rotation. Bonus? It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Why This Recipe Ranks High
- One-Skillet Convenience: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal.
- Rich Flavors: The garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice is a crowd-pleaser.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich green beans.
- Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
5️⃣ Cook the Green Beans:
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the lemon garlic sauce.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp.
6️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the green beans.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it fully.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or enjoy it as-is.
Chef’s Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even juicier chicken, marinate it in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add Extra Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make great additions to this dish.
- Make It Creamy: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce for a rich, creamy variation.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fat: ~14g
- Fiber: ~3g
Focus Keywords:
- Lemon garlic butter chicken
- One-skillet chicken recipe
- Garlic butter chicken with green beans
- Easy chicken dinner ideas
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner. The juicy chicken, paired with the tangy garlic butter sauce, is so irresistible that you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds.