Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups green beans, trimmed; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; juice of 1 lemon; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that balances bold flavor, weeknight simplicity, and nutritious color, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is your new go-to. Featuring juicy chicken, crisp-tender green beans, and a magical lemon garlic butter sauce, this one-pan wonder makes cleanup a breeze while delivering pure comfort in every bite. Vibrant, zesty, and rich without feeling heavy, this meal is just as perfect for impressing dinner guests as it is for a cozy night at home.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you can make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet in no time. Each ingredient is chosen to add bright flavor, enticing aroma, and satisfying texture to the finished dish.

Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for super quick cooking and lean protein that soaks up all the buttery goodness.
Green beans: Fresh beans add crunch, color, and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lemon and garlic.
Unsalted butter: Melting butter forms the base of the luscious sauce and gives richness without overpowering the dish.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the chicken and vegetables, while adding a smooth background flavor.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is aromatic and provides a savory backbone to the sauce — don’t skimp here!
Lemon juice and zest: The juice brightens everything up and the zest boosts that citrusy punch for a truly refreshing note.
Paprika: Just a bit adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to your chicken.
Onion powder: A little sprinkle brings extra savory depth to complement the garlic.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Adjust to your taste.
Fresh parsley (optional): A scattering of chopped parsley right before serving delivers freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken pieces plenty of flavor: sprinkle them with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. This little step ensures every bite is irresistible right from the start! Toss well so the spices coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. When everything’s melted and shimmering, add your seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken is cooked through and golden on all sides. Once it’s done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Green Beans

In the same skillet, drop in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant, then throw in the green beans. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender-crisp — you want them to hold a bit of bite!

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return your chicken to the skillet with the beans. Now, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle over the lemon zest. Stir everything together well so the chicken and beans are coated in that silky, garlicky butter sauce. Let it all mingle on the heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, enough to marry the flavors and heat the chicken through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, finish your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with a handful of chopped fresh parsley (if you like), and serve it up warm. The colors, aroma, and flavors meld together for a meal that looks as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Garnishes

This dish is beautiful as-is, but a final flourish of something fresh always elevates it. Try chopped parsley for a burst of green, or add a light dusting of extra lemon zest if you adore citrus. If you like a gentle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick and adds a touch of color.

Side Dishes

To round out your plate, serve this skillet meal over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A slice of crusty bread is fantastic for soaking up any extra lemon garlic butter sauce, and a simple side salad pairs really well for extra crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy touch, plate the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet family-style in your prettiest skillet, wreathed with lemon slices or sprigs of fresh herbs. Or try serving the mixture inside baked spaghetti squash halves, or even nestling it in shallow bowls over steamed farro for a rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the skillet cool, then transfer everything so the flavors continue to meld while you wait for round two.

Freezing

You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together, with green beans only if you don’t mind a softer texture upon reheating (since beans can lose some crispness in the freezer).

Reheating

Reheat your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or more lemon juice to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently to prevent the chicken from drying out and enjoy all over again!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they work beautifully in this skillet. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook a bit longer if they’re thicker than breasts.

What other vegetables could I add?

Feel free to swap in asparagus, broccoli, or even snap peas if you’re looking for variety. Just adjust the cook time for your chosen veggie so it stays bright and tender-crisp.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free spices and serve with gluten-free sides.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a good-quality vegan butter or more olive oil, and you’ll still get a deliciously rich, luscious sauce without the dairy.

Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

You sure can! Cut the chicken and trim the green beans in advance, and even combine the dry seasonings. When it’s time to cook, everything comes together in less than 30 minutes for a hassle-free dinner.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet, it might just become a staple in your home like it has in mine. There’s something so comforting about the way those bright, fresh, and savory flavors come together in one easy pan. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon — and maybe share it with someone who could use a little delicious inspiration!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce come together in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Green Beans:

2 cups green beans, trimmed

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant. Add the green beans and sauté until tender-crisp.
Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.