There’s something so satisfying about a one-pan meal that combines fresh flavors, savory textures, and a quick prep time. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that can be made in under 30 minutes.
This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with crisp green beans, all cooked in a rich, aromatic butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that feels like a treat, but it’s quick and easy enough for weeknight dinners.
What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors. The garlic butter sauce is rich and indulgent, while the lemon adds a zesty freshness that brightens up the entire dish. The green beans are lightly sautéed, keeping them crisp yet tender, and they absorb the flavor of the garlic butter, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor.
I love this recipe because it doesn’t take a lot of ingredients or time to make something that tastes like it’s straight out of a restaurant. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something flavorful and healthy, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (varies based on portion sizes and ingredient variations)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
For the Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions of Cooking:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, and once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Sauté the Green Beans:
- In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
Combine Chicken, Green Beans, and Sauce:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Add the sautéed green beans as well. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and green beans, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides (see suggestions below).
Why I Love This Recipe and Why You Should Try It:
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is everything you want in a meal: it’s quick, easy, flavorful, and wholesome. The chicken is perfectly juicy and tender, the green beans offer a nice crunch, and the garlic butter sauce is the star of the show—it’s both indulgent and light at the same time, making it the perfect balance for a weeknight meal.
Why should you try it? First, it’s simple—no complicated steps or long cooking times. You can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in just 30 minutes. Plus, the combination of garlic, lemon, and butter is just unbeatable. It’s a recipe that works for any occasion—whether you’re cooking for a busy family or hosting a dinner party.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some extra heat.
- Substitute Chicken Breasts: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to ensure they cook through.
- Add Vegetables: You can easily add other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet. Just sauté them before adding the chicken back into the pan.
- Low Carb Option: Serve this dish on its own or with cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Herb Variations: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, feel free to swap out the dried herbs for fresh for even more vibrant flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a simple side salad of mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan for a light yet satisfying dinner.
- For a heartier meal, serve with roasted potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes on the side.
Conclusion:
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. It’s bursting with flavor, packed with nutrients, and works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special night or just need a quick meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and that mouthwatering lemon garlic butter sauce is something you’ll want to make again and again.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they’re completely thawed before cooking for best results. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook them from frozen, but it will take a bit longer to cook through.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and green beans ahead of time and reheat them with the sauce when you’re ready to eat. The garlic butter sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up when reheating.
Q3: Can I use a different type of green vegetable?
A3: Yes! You can use asparagus, broccoli, or even Brussels sprouts in place of green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to suit the vegetable you choose.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Q5: Can I add more sauce?
A5: Absolutely! If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the garlic butter sauce ingredients and pour it over your chicken and green beans. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
