Quick & Savory Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet reinvents ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary celebrations.

Rich, golden-brown chicken nestles alongside vibrant green beans in a single pan that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Aromatic herbs and bright citrus notes dance through this quick-cooking masterpiece, creating a sensory experience that elevates simple ingredients.

Each tender morsel carries the perfect balance of tangy and savory elements, making dinner both exciting and effortless.

Health-conscious home cooks will appreciate the nutritious protein and vegetables seamlessly combined in this impressive dish.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can craft restaurant-quality meals without complicated steps or extensive preparation.

Comfort meets elegance in this skillet sensation that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

• Unleash One-Pan Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delectable meal using just a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Delivering a robust 36g of protein per serving, the chicken thighs provide a satisfying and nutritious main course that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Combining tangy lemon, spicy garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a vibrant taste profile that elevates ordinary chicken and green beans into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with exciting, complex flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet recipe offers a perfect solution for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

• Chicken Thighs: Skin-on and bone-in for maximum flavor and juiciness, preferably fresh and high-quality.

• Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend for creating a well-balanced and flavorful chicken seasoning.

• Green Beans: Fresh and crisp, providing a nutritious and vibrant side for the main dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for adding bright, fresh flavor and green color garnish.

• Butter: Rich and creamy, helps create golden brown chicken skin and adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh and aromatic, brings intense savory notes to the entire dish.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh and zesty, adds brightness and helps balance the rich flavors.
• Chicken Stock: Provides additional depth and helps create a light, flavorful sauce.

• Hot Sauce: Adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish.
• Chili Flakes: Provides optional heat and additional flavor complexity.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden exterior. Remove excess moisture for perfect browning.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Blend

• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend thoroughly in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Season Chicken

Generously rub seasoning mixture all over chicken thighs. Let sit for flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Prep Green Beans

Place green beans in microwave-safe dish with water. Microwave for 8-10 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Sear Chicken

Heat butter in large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Cook chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Flavor Green Beans

• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Hot sauce
• Chili flakes
• Pre-cooked green beans

Sauté for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and beans are fully heated.

Step 7: Create Sauce

Pour in lemon juice and chicken stock. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 8: Combine and Finish

Return chicken to skillet. Gently warm and coat with sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

• Extra chili flakes
• Fresh parsley sprigs
• Lemon slices

Enjoy your vibrant, flavor-packed skillet meal that brings together tender chicken and crisp green beans in a zesty sauce!

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

• Ensure Dry Chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Perfect Seasoning Technique: Massage the spice blend thoroughly into the chicken, allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to enhance deep, rich flavor penetration.
• Precise Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, ensuring it reaches exactly 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results.
• Green Bean Crispness: Avoid overcooking green beans by microwaving them just until tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and nutritional value.
• Flavor Layering Trick: Sauté garlic and herbs in the same skillet used for chicken to capture and intensify all the delicious browned bits and meat juices.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover chicken and green beans into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed meals will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the dish covered to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and green beans in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve their original texture and flavor. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying out. Heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and reheat in 30-second intervals, checking and stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the completely cooled chicken and green beans in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Pairing Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Rice

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this lemony chicken dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light white wines complement the bright citrus notes and cut through the richness of the buttery chicken.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan sauce. The bread's texture will perfectly balance the tender chicken and crisp green beans.
• Fresh Herbal Salad Partner: Create a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness. The salad's acidity will enhance the dish's bold flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Cool Cucumber Contrast: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with dill and light yogurt dressing. Its cool, crisp nature will beautifully offset the warm, garlicky skillet chicken and provide a palate-cleansing element to the meal.

Creative Variations of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

• Herbed Mediterranean Fusion: Replace paprika with dried oregano and thyme, swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese during final sauté for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Korean Kick: Substitute hot sauce with gochujang, include sliced green onions, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, use sesame oil instead of butter for an intense Korean-style flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Adaptation: Include sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms during green bean sauté, splash white wine instead of chicken stock, stir in heavy cream at end for a richer, more luxurious sauce that coats chicken and vegetables beautifully.
• Cajun Herb Celebration: Season chicken with Cajun spice blend, add andouille sausage slices alongside green beans, incorporate bell pepper strips, finish with fresh thyme and a splash of Louisiana-style hot sauce for bold, zesty results.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken dances with crisp green beans in one perfect skillet masterpiece. Home cooks will savor this simple yet elegant French-inspired dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup fresh chopped parsley
• Juice of ½ lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ½ cup chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee for paleo diet)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal browning and crispy texture.
2. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by whisking onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
3. Massage the spice mixture comprehensively over each chicken thigh, allowing the seasonings to penetrate and enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
4. Prepare green beans by placing them in a microwave-safe container with 120 milliliters (½ cup) of water, then steam for 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp but not fully cooked.
5. Melt 28 grams () of unsalted butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, creating a rich cooking surface.
6. Carefully position chicken thighs skin-side down, cooking for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops; flip and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
7. After removing chicken, utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes with the pre-steamed green beans for 4-5 minutes.
8. Deglaze the pan by adding fresh lemon juice and chicken stock, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce, creating a concentrated, flavorful sauce.
9. Gently reintroduce the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them in the aromatic sauce and briefly reheating to ensure uniform temperature.
10. Present the dish immediately, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes, fresh parsley sprigs, and lemon wedges to brighten the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Transforming ordinary chicken dinners into a zesty, restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Prepping ingredients beforehand guarantees smooth cooking and reduces last-minute stress in the kitchen.
• Perfectly crispy chicken skin comes from thoroughly drying meat and using medium-low heat for even browning.
• Microwaving green beans beforehand ensures they remain vibrant, crisp, and cook quickly in the final skillet stage.
• Layering flavors through seasoning, butter, herbs, and citrus creates a complex yet approachable dish that impresses everyone at the table.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg