Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Discover how effortlessly delicious a weeknight dinner can be with this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet. This vibrant, one-pan meal brings together tender chicken breasts infused with zesty lemon, rich butter, and a punch of fresh garlic, perfectly complemented by crisp, bright green beans. It’s a wholesome dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your schedule, all in one skillet full of flavor and simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and minimizing cleanup.
• Bold Yet Balanced Flavors: The bright lemon and aromatic garlic create a fresh, irresistible taste that lifts the dish.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Lean chicken paired with crisp green beans makes for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
• Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this skillet meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: The comforting flavors appeal to all ages, making dinner easy and enjoyable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one brings a specific element that enhances the flavor, texture, and color of this colorful dish.

• Chicken breasts: Thin-cut or pounded for even cooking and tender bites.
• Fresh green beans: Crisp and vibrant, they add a satisfying crunch and color pop.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to release their aromatic, savory goodness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy depth that marries perfectly with lemon.
• Lemon juice and zest: Freshly squeezed and grated for bright, tangy flavor that awakens the dish.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the green beans to golden perfection.
• Salt and pepper: The essential seasoning duo to enhance every bite.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and pretty green garnish at the end.

Variations for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Feel free to tailor this recipe to your preferences or whatever you have on hand—its flexibility makes it easy to adapt and customize.

• Protein alternatives: Swap chicken breasts with thighs or even shrimp for a different twist.
• Vegetable swaps: Use asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas instead of green beans for new textures and flavors.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat that warms the palate.
• Dairy-free version: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine without sacrificing richness.
• Fresh herbs twist: Try thyme, rosemary, or basil for varied aromatic profiles.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by trimming the green beans and mincing the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon, then pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the green beans and garlic

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and toss in the green beans and garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beans are tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Create the lemon garlic butter sauce

Lower the heat, add the butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir continuously as the butter melts, intertwining all the flavors together into a silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine and finish

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spoon the sauce and green beans over the top, and cook for another minute or two to allow everything to marry wonderfully before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

• Pat chicken dry: For a perfect sear, moisture-free chicken browns better, creating extra flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary so they brown nicely instead of steaming.
• Use fresh lemon: Bottled juice just won’t deliver the vibrant brightness fresh lemons do.
• Watch your garlic: Add garlic last and cook briefly to avoid bitterness from burning.
• Rest the chicken: Let cooked chicken rest for a couple of minutes to lock in juices for juicy bites.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges brightens the plate and adds visual appeal. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who love heat.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a light couscous for a complete meal. Warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate the chicken on a bed of quinoa or roasted potatoes and arrange the green beans artistically on the side for a restaurant-quality presentation right at home. Drizzle extra lemon butter sauce over everything immediately before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but green beans may lose some crispness after thawing. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fresh green beans with frozen ones; just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet uses only gluten-free ingredients and is perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan margarine to keep the rich flavor without dairy.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken evenly?

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook through evenly without drying out.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

You can double or even triple the ingredients, but cook the chicken in batches to maintain a proper sear and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a standout recipe that combines simplicity, health, and bright, delicious flavors all in one pan. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, try it tonight and enjoy the perfect balance of buttery, tangy, and fresh in every bite.

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