Sizzling Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe for Weeknights

Lemon garlic butter chicken skillet crafts ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Succulent chicken pieces dance with vibrant seasonings, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and rich flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a restaurant-quality meal straight from your own kitchen.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character to the final masterpiece, building complex layers of taste.

The minimal preparation ensures you spend less time cooking and more time savoring every delectable bite.

Simple techniques elevate humble ingredients into something truly remarkable, making this dish both accessible and impressive.

Your family will eagerly gather around the table, anticipating the mouthwatering aromas.

Pairing Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Sides

• Sip Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the zesty lemon and garlic flavors, cutting through the richness of butter and balancing the chicken's savory profile.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette that echoes the citrus notes in the chicken, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery skillet dish.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious pan sauce, allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the lemon garlic butter mixture.
• Choose Herbal Side Drink: A sparkling water infused with fresh mint or basil provides a clean, palate-cleansing accompaniment that enhances the dish's bright, herbal undertones.

Variations of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken: Replace paprika with dried oregano and thyme. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese during the final sauté for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Skillet: Swap regular seasoning with Cajun spice blend. Include diced bell peppers and andouille sausage for extra heat and complexity. Finish with a splash of hot Louisiana-style sauce.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Variation: After cooking chicken, sauté sliced cremini mushrooms in the skillet. Stir in a splash of heavy cream and white wine before returning chicken to the pan. Garnish with fresh chives for added freshness.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken: Replace lemon juice with rice vinegar. Add minced ginger and soy sauce to the butter sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top before serving for an authentic east Asian touch.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Savor Quick Skillet Magic: This one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel like gourmet experiences without complex cooking techniques.
• Blast Flavor Combinations: The zesty lemon, bold garlic, and rich butter create a mouth-watering sauce that perfectly complements juicy chicken thighs and crisp green beans, offering a delightful balance of tangy and savory notes.
• Nutrition Powerhouse Meal: Packed with high protein (34g), low carbs (7g), and essential nutrients, this dish provides a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while supporting healthy eating goals without sacrificing incredible taste.
• Effortless Cooking Technique: Using a single cast-iron skillet simplifies preparation and cleanup, allowing home cooks to achieve professional-level browning and develop deep, layered flavors through strategic cooking methods.

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Chicken Thighs: Protein-rich main ingredient that provides hearty flavor and tender texture; bone-in or boneless work well.

• Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice combination that adds depth and enhances chickens natural taste; use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.

• Butter: Creates rich, creamy base and helps with browning chicken; choose unsalted butter for better seasoning control.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce; fresh minced garlic provides more intense taste than pre-chopped.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the dish; flat-leaf variety offers more robust flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy brightness and helps balance rich butter sauce; fresh squeezed is always recommended.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and helps create silky sauce consistency; low-sodium version allows better salt control.

• Hot Sauce: Introduces subtle heat and complexity; adjust amount based on personal spice preference.
• Chili Flakes: Adds optional spicy kick and visual appeal; can be adjusted or omitted for milder palates.

• Green Beans: Provides nutritious, crisp vegetable element; fresh or frozen beans work perfectly in this recipe.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring perfect browning.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Blend

• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Season Chicken

Thoroughly rub the seasoning mixture over chicken thighs, allowing them to rest and absorb flavors.

Step 4: Cook Green Beans

Place green beans in a microwave-safe dish with water. Microwave for 8-10 minutes until nearly cooked but still crisp and vibrant green.

Step 5: Melt Butter

Heat butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat until completely melted and slightly bubbling.

Step 6: Sear Chicken

Place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Prepare Sauce and Vegetables

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

Sauté together for 4-5 minutes, creating a fragrant mixture.

Step 8: Create Sauce Reduction

• Lemon juice
• Chicken stock

Simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 9: Combine and Reheat

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Warm everything together on low heat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

• Extra chili flakes
• Fresh parsley sprigs
• Lemon slices

Enjoy your delicious one-skillet meal!

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Select Juicy Cuts: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture retention during cooking.
• Pat Chicken Perfectly: Thoroughly dry chicken thighs with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Control Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-low heat to prevent butter from burning and achieve even, consistent chicken browning.
• Check Temperature Accurately: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Reduce sauce slowly to create a rich, glossy coating that clings beautifully to chicken and green beans.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lemon garlic butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Carefully place chicken and green beans together, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing. Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date and contents. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for up to 3 months. Avoid refreezing previously frozen chicken to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture and crispy exterior. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken skillet delivers Mediterranean magic in one pan, blending zesty citrus with rich butter and aromatic herbs. Effortless preparation meets gourmet flavor, promising a restaurant-quality meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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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
• Lemon slices for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee for paleo diet)
• ½ cup chicken stock
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 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. Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal surface for caramelization and enhanced flavor development.
2. Combine onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
3. Thoroughly massage the spice mixture into each chicken thigh, allowing the seasonings to penetrate and infuse the meat for approximately 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
4. Prepare green beans by placing them in a microwave-safe container with 125 milliliters (½ cup) of water, then cook for 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp but still vibrant green.
5. Melt 60 grams () of unsalted butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, creating a rich cooking surface.
6. Carefully position the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down, cooking for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms; flip and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
7. Transfer cooked chicken to a temporary plate, then add remaining butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes to the same skillet.
8. Incorporate pre-cooked green beans into the skillet, sautéing the mixture for 4-5 minutes to develop complex flavor profiles.
9. Pour fresh lemon juice and chicken stock into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reduce and create a slightly thickened, glossy sauce.
10. Reintroduce the chicken thighs to the skillet, gently coating them in the aromatic sauce and warming through on low heat.
11. Plate the chicken and green beans, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes, fresh parsley sprigs, and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Perfectly dried chicken ensures a golden-brown crust that seals in juicy flavors.
• Quick spice blend creates a robust seasoning profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepping green beans ahead saves valuable cooking time and maintains crisp texture.
• Precise skillet technique guarantees even cooking and beautiful caramelization on chicken.
• Strategic layering of ingredients builds complex, mouthwatering taste dimensions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg