Looking for a quick, flavorful one-pan meal? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the perfect solution! Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with zesty lemon, paired with tender green beans for a complete, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. 🍋🍗
This skillet meal is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. It combines the fresh, zesty flavors of lemon with the savory richness of garlic butter, all tied together with perfectly seared chicken and crisp-tender green beans. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a fast, nutritious meal. It’s made in just one skillet, so cleanup is minimal, and the ingredients are simple but packed with flavor. The lemon garlic butter sauce adds richness to the chicken while keeping it moist, and the green beans offer a crunchy, fresh contrast. Best of all, it’s versatile—serve it with rice, quinoa, or on its own for a low-carb option.
Main Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Each ingredient in this recipe works together to create a balanced and flavorful dish that’s quick to make:
- Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, skinless): Chicken breasts are lean, tender, and cook quickly in the skillet.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, more uniform cooking.
- Green Beans (2 cups, trimmed): Green beans add color, texture, and a fresh crunch to the dish.
- You can substitute with asparagus or broccoli if you prefer.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, unsalted): Butter is the base of the sauce, adding richness and a creamy texture.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic provides a savory, aromatic depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and butter.
- Fresh garlic is best for maximum flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed): Lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter, balancing the flavors.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to achieving the best flavor.
- Chicken Broth (¼ cup): Chicken broth helps create a silky sauce and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.
- You can substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil is used to sear the chicken, giving it a golden crust.
- You can use avocado oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and green beans.
- Lemon Slices (for garnish, optional): Thin lemon slices add a beautiful visual touch and extra lemony flavor when serving.
Benefits of Ingredients
- Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Green beans are rich in fiber and vitamins, providing a healthy vegetable component that complements the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Cook the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the trimmed green beans. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are crisp-tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- If you prefer your green beans softer, cook them a bit longer until they reach your desired tenderness.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- The browned bits from cooking the chicken add incredible flavor to the sauce, so make sure to scrape them up while cooking.
- Return the Chicken and Green Beans to the Skillet: Add the chicken breasts and green beans back into the skillet, coating them with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Let everything heat through for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is warm and the green beans are well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken and green beans to serving plates, spooning the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley if desired, and serve hot.
- For a complete meal, serve the chicken and green beans with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so be sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter sauce. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same impact.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini to the skillet for a more colorful dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They may take a bit longer to cook, so make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to rehydrate the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version of this dish.
What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken skillet pairs well with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I add more vegetables to this skillet?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
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