Irresistible Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

A sizzling lemon garlic butter chicken skillet that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces nestled alongside crisp green beans, each morsel infused with zesty citrus and rich, aromatic garlic.

Fragrant herbs dance across the surface, promising a delightful sensory experience.

The skillet method ensures maximum flavor concentration, creating a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

One pan means minimal cleanup, maximizing your relaxation time after cooking.

Effortless preparation meets restaurant-quality results in this simple yet impressive dish.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouth-watering creation that brings excitement to your dinner table.

Easy Twists On This Chicken And Veggie Classic

• Spicy Mediterranean Makeover: Replace paprika with za'atar spice blend, add diced kalamata olives, and swap chicken for chicken thighs for richer flavor. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.
• Herb-Infused Skillet Sensation: Incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme into the seasoning, use white wine instead of chicken broth, and add sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness. Finish with crumbled feta cheese on top.
• Protein Power Swap: Substitute chicken with salmon fillets, use dill instead of parsley, and add capers to the lemon garlic butter sauce. Reduce cooking time for fish to prevent overcooking.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Swap honey with soy sauce, add ginger and sesame oil to the sauce, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the final dish. Include sliced red bell peppers alongside green beans for color and crunch.

FAQs On Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust or omit them to control the spice level according to your preference.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs work perfectly. Choose chicken pieces of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and reheat gently in the skillet just before serving to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and crisp texture.

Why Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Is A One-Pan Wonder

• Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of zesty lemon, rich butter, and savory garlic that creates an irresistible taste profile guaranteed to make taste buds dance.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: With just one skillet and simple ingredients, home cooks can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Nutritious and Balanced Meal: The protein-packed chicken and crisp green beans offer a wholesome, balanced dish that provides both nutrition and satisfying flavors in a single pan.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: This recipe adapts easily to different preferences, allowing cooks to adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or customize seasonings without complicated technique.

The Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Chicken And Green Beans

• Chicken Fillets: Tender meat that absorbs flavors and provides main protein source. Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking.
• Minced Garlic: Adds robust flavor and aromatic base to the sauce. Fresh garlic provides best taste.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Creates depth of flavor and enhances chicken's taste. Use high-quality, fresh spices for best results.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning. Enhances overall dish flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat and spice. Adjust according to personal preference.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and helps with browning. Use extra virgin for better flavor.
• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce with creamy texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
• Green Beans: Fresh vegetable adding color and nutrition. Choose crisp, bright green beans.
• Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and depth to sauce. Low-sodium version allows better seasoning control.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy flavor to balance richness. Fresh lemon juice preferred over bottled.
• Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps sauce thicken. Use raw honey for best flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish that adds fresh color and light herb note. Chopped just before serving.

How To Cook This Skillet Chicken Dish Right

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage these seasonings into the chicken, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Gently place the seasoned chicken into the pan, letting it dance and sizzle. Cook each side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is completely cooked through. When done, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Green Beans

In the same skillet (hello, flavor depot!), add another splash of olive oil. Toss in the green beans and give them a quick season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook until they become wonderfully crisp-tender with just a hint of brightness. Scoop them out and set aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Craft the Liquid Gold Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Let everything simmer and get to know each other, creating a sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Reunite the chicken and green beans in the skillet, bathing them in the luxurious sauce. Let everything warm through, getting cozy and infused with all those incredible flavors. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy!

Pro Tips For Bold And Zesty Lemon Chicken

• Perfect Seasoning Trick: Use a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a deeply flavorful chicken coating that locks in moisture and adds complexity to the dish.
• Smart Cooking Technique: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to help retain its juices, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent without drying out.
• Veggie Swap Option: Replace green beans with asparagus or broccoli for a different nutritional profile and flavor variation that keeps the meal exciting and adaptable.
• Sauce Depth Enhancer: Let the lemon garlic butter sauce simmer slightly longer to concentrate flavors and create a richer, more intense coating for the chicken and vegetables.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the honey for a keto-friendly version, or substitute with a small amount of sugar-free sweetener to maintain the sauce's balanced taste profile.

How To Store And Reheat Lemon Chicken Skillet

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and green beans in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain maximum freshness and food safety.
• Reheat Skillet Method: Warm the chicken and green beans in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and help restore the sauce's moisture. Stir gently until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Freezing Tip: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

What Goes Well With Lemon Garlic Chicken And Beans

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Pair this zesty chicken dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, citrusy wines complement the lemon garlic butter sauce perfectly, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's bright flavors.
• Serve Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic baguette or artisan sourdough to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will catch every last drop of the flavorful liquid.
• Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a fresh green salad with mixed herbs like basil, parsley, and dill. Dress it lightly with a simple vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery chicken and provide a crisp, clean contrast to the main dish.
• Pour Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon. The bubbles and citrus notes will mirror the dish's lemon garlic profile and refresh the palate between bites.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet delivers a one-pan wonder of zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients. Quick weeknight dinners discover delicious simplicity with this effortless skillet sensation that connects flavor and convenience in one elegant meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or 4 small chicken fillets)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 pound (16 ounces) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful seasoning mixture by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat each chicken fillet with this aromatic blend, ensuring even coverage.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken fillets into the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust. Cook until the chicken is completely done and no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm. In the same skillet, drizzle additional olive oil and introduce green beans. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then sauté until they reach a vibrant green color and maintain a slight crispness, stirring intermittently.
4. Reduce heat and introduce butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for about 30-45 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes. Gently simmer the mixture, letting the flavors meld and slightly reduce.
5. Carefully return the chicken and green beans to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated with the luxurious sauce. Allow everything to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and additional freshness.

Notes

• Adjust cooking times carefully to prevent chicken from becoming dry, using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian-friendly version, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique.
• Reduce butter quantity or use olive oil alternative for a lighter, heart-healthy option without compromising flavor intensity.
• Add red pepper flakes gradually to control spice level, allowing each person to customize heat according to their preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 150mg