Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet Recipe

A burst of zesty lemon garlic butter chicken skillet brightens up any weeknight dinner with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.

Tender chicken pieces sizzle alongside crisp green beans, creating a mouthwatering harmony of textures and tastes.

The combination of buttery richness and tangy citrus makes this dish irresistibly satisfying.

Fresh herbs and garlic add depth to every single bite, transforming an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Home cooks will love how quickly this skillet comes together with minimal cleanup.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein and vegetables that feels both comforting and gourmet.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen, beckoning you to savor every delicious moment.

How to Cook Lemon Garlic Chicken Just Right

• Season Chicken Dramatically

Rub chicken with a zesty blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds dance. Coat each piece thoroughly to lock in maximum flavor.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat up your skillet with a splash of olive oil. Gently place chicken pieces and let them transform into a golden masterpiece. Cook until each side develops a beautiful caramel-like crust.

• Crisp Up Green Beans

Toss green beans into the same hot skillet. Let them sear and soften, creating a vibrant green canvas with delightful charred edges.

• Create Magic Sauce

Melt butter and let minced garlic release its intoxicating aroma. Pour in bright lemon juice, silky broth, and a touch of sweetness. Watch the liquid transform into a tantalizing sauce that promises incredible flavor.

• Bring It All Together

Reunite chicken and green beans in the skillet. Let everything swim in the luxurious sauce, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish.

Extra Flavors That Elevate This One-Pan Dish

• Smart cooking hacks to elevate your dish.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Chicken and green beans can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners super convenient.
• For dairy-free diets, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Gluten-sensitive individuals can confirm chicken broth is gluten-free before using, and those following keto can increase butter quantity for higher fat content.

Serve This Chicken Skillet With Balance

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this skillet dish with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. The starch will perfectly complement the tender chicken and crisp green beans.
• Elegant Weekend Meal Presentation: Plate the chicken and green beans on a beautiful white platter, drizzling extra sauce over the top. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
• Quick Leftover Transformation: Slice the remaining chicken and toss with mixed greens for a zesty lunch salad the next day. The lemon garlic butter sauce works brilliantly as a light dressing, giving your leftovers a delicious second life.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the chicken and green beans into individual meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week. The flavors will actually improve overnight, making your meal prep both convenient and tasty.

How to Store Your Chicken Skillet Meal

• Slice chicken and chop green beans in advance to cut cooking time by 15 minutes. Store prepped ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep leftover chicken and green beans in sealed containers for 34 days. Separate sauce from main dish to maintain crispy texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Package cooled meal in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently in skillet or microwave.
• Warm slightly in skillet with splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Avoid microwave if possible to prevent rubbery chicken texture. Add fresh parsley after reheating for bright flavor boost.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 367 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Must-Haves

• Paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth to chicken's flavor profile with a vibrant red color.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet and savory undertones to enhance overall seasoning.
• Salt: Crucial for bringing out natural chicken flavors and balancing seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and aromatic complexity to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Creates golden sear for chicken and prevents sticking with heart-healthy benefits.
• Chicken Fillets: Lean protein base that absorbs seasonings beautifully and provides main dish foundation.

• Green Beans: Fresh, crisp vegetable that adds nutritional value and textural contrast.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky sauce foundation with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Fresh, aromatic ingredient that builds intense flavor layers.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to create harmonious sauce consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy notes that cut through richness.
• Honey: Introduces subtle sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for gentle heat and spicy undertone.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal brightness and visual appeal to completed dish.

Tools for a One-Pan Chicken Dinner

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, beans, and creating the sauce.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and moving ingredients around the pan.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Measuring cups: Useful for precise liquid measurements like broth and lemon juice.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing sauce and vegetables.

Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet brings Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table. Succulent chicken and crisp green beans mingle in a rich, aromatic sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts (large, halved horizontally or 4 small fillets)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh, about 1 lemon)
• 1 lb green beans (fresh, trimmed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat chicken fillets with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage across all surfaces.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Carefully place seasoned chicken fillets and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 34 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Green Bean Roasting: Using the same skillet, introduce additional olive oil and add green beans. Season with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized, around 45 minutes. Remove beans and set aside.
4. Flavor Infusion: Melt butter in the skillet, then introduce minced garlic, creating an aromatic base. Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, honey, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce, concentrating the flavors for 23 minutes.
5. Final Assembly: Reunite chicken and green beans in the skillet, generously coating with the vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce. Gently simmer for an additional 23 minutes to ensure complete heat distribution and flavor melding. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, creating a visually appealing and delectable dish.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning chicken or garlic, which can create bitter flavor.
• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning, enabling better browning and crispier texture.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for reduction or adding small amounts of chicken broth if too thick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg