Here’s a bright, flavorful one-pan recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet — tender, golden chicken seared in garlicky lemon butter with crisp green beans. It’s quick, healthy-ish, and full of bold flavor.
🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Ingredients (Serves 4):
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces or thin cutlets)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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Juice of 1 large lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
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Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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12 oz green beans, trimmed
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¼ cup chicken broth or water (for steaming beans)
Instructions:
🔹 1. Prep the chicken:
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Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
🔹 2. Sear the chicken:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
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Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
🔹 3. Cook the green beans:
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In the same skillet, add green beans and a splash of oil or butter if needed.
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Sauté for 2 minutes, then add chicken broth or water.
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Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Uncover and let any remaining liquid evaporate.
🔹 4. Make the lemon garlic butter sauce:
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Push green beans to the side or remove them temporarily.
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Add butter and garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Stir in lemon juice and zest.
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Return chicken (and green beans if removed) to the skillet and toss everything in the sauce until coated and warmed through.
✅ Serve:
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Garnish with chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges.
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Serve as-is or over rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a fuller meal.
🔄 Variations:
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Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli.
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For a creamy version, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
Want a low-carb version, or one prepped for meal planning?