Mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and zest, and this lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet delivers pure culinary magic.

One-pan meals never tasted so incredible with tender chicken bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside golden garlic, creating a harmony of flavors that will make mouths water.

Crisp green beans add a vibrant crunch, complementing the succulent chicken perfectly.

The butter creates a silky coating that elevates every single bite into something extraordinary.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this quick and delectable masterpiece.

Dive into this easy skillet sensation that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 1

What You’ll Need For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet

For Seasoning:
  • Paprika: Adds warm, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful reddish color to chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic taste without fresh garlic's moisture.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic background flavor to enhance overall seasoning.
  • Salt: Amplifies and balances other seasonings, bringing out natural chicken flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and sharp, earthy undertones to the dish.
For Protein and Main Components:
  • Chicken Fillets: Lean protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully and creates hearty meal base.
  • Olive Oil: Helps conduct heat evenly and adds rich, smooth cooking foundation.
For Vegetable Component:
  • Green Beans: Crisp, nutritious vegetable that adds vibrant color and fresh texture.
For Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with rich, creamy mouthfeel.
  • Fresh Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic punch and classic savory depth.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base with deep, meaty underlying flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, tangy freshness to balance rich ingredients.
  • Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps sauce caramelize beautifully.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for creating gentle, warming heat.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright green color and fresh, herbal finishing touch.

Tools That Help Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, beans, and making the sauce.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and moving ingredients around the pan.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • 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 sauce and moving ingredients.

Instructions To Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet

  • Chicken Preparation

Grab your chicken fillets and create a flavor explosion with a zesty spice blend. Sprinkle generously with aromatic seasonings that will make your taste buds dance.

  • Sizzling Skillet Action

Fire up your cooking surface with a drizzle of olive oil. Lovingly place chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. Watch for that perfect caramelized exterior that signals culinary magic is happening.

  • Green Bean Transformation

In the same trusty skillet, wake up those green beans with a splash of oil. Let them sizzle and soften, developing a tender-crisp personality that adds vibrant texture to your dish.

  • Sauce Symphony

Create liquid gold by melting butter and releasing garlic’s intoxicating aroma. Pour in bright lemon juice, golden honey, and a whisper of chicken broth. Let the ingredients waltz together, creating a sauce that promises pure deliciousness.

  • Final Flavor Fusion

Reunite the chicken and green beans in their sauce paradise. Allow everything to mingle and warm through, creating a harmonious skillet melody. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a final touch of freshness that screams homemade love.

Creative Tweaks For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet

  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Marinate chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper, more intense flavor profiles.
  • Protein Swap Option: Replace chicken with turkey breast or pork tenderloin for a delightful alternative that maintains similar cooking techniques and sauce compatibility.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour for sauce thickening and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Friendly Trick: Substitute green beans with roasted zucchini or asparagus spears for a lower-carbohydrate vegetable option that complements the zesty lemon sauce perfectly.
  • Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare entire skillet in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring sauce remains sealed with chicken to prevent drying out during reheating.

How To Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet

  • Zesty Family Feast: Serve this vibrant chicken skillet over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon garlic sauce.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Arrange chicken and green beans on a large white platter, drizzle sauce generously, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that will impress guests.
  • Healthy Meal Prep Champion: Portion chicken and green beans into meal prep containers, pour sauce separately to keep ingredients crisp, and enjoy a delicious lunch that stays fresh for 34 days in the refrigerator.
  • Quick Leftover Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and toss with sauce, then stuff into warm tortillas or pile onto fresh salad greens for a completely new meal that feels totally different from the original dinner.

Storage Advice For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet

  • Fridge-Fresh Storage: Keep leftover chicken and green beans in an airtight container, staying fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent spoilage.
  • Quick Reheat Method: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Divide chicken and green beans into individual portions before refrigerating. This approach makes grab-and-go lunches simple and reduces weekday cooking stress.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze sauce-coated chicken and green beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.
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Mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

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

Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet blends tangy citrus with rich, herbaceous flavors. Crisp green beans and juicy chicken create a simple yet elegant dinner that will satisfy hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or 4 small chicken fillets)
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 lb (16 oz) fresh green beans, trimmed
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a robust spice blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Meticulously rub this aromatic mixture across chicken fillets for comprehensive flavor infusion.
  2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Position seasoned chicken and cook until a golden-brown exterior develops, ensuring complete internal doneness with no pink center. Aim for approximately 5-6 minutes per side for perfect texture.
  3. Vegetable Enhancement: Remove chicken from skillet and introduce green beans into the same pan. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing until beans exhibit a vibrant emerald hue and maintain a delightful crisp-tender consistency.
  4. Sauce Creation: Lower heat and incorporate butter, allowing minced garlic to release its aromatic profile. Stream in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes. Permit the liquid to gently simmer and slightly condense, creating a rich, layered sauce.
  5. Final Assembly: Reunite chicken and green beans within the skillet, thoroughly coating each ingredient with the luxurious sauce. Warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete flavor integration. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a verdant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Pat chicken dry before applying seasoning to ensure maximum spice adherence and create a perfect golden-brown crust.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing juicy and safe-to-eat protein without drying out.
  • Green Bean Texture Hack: Blanch green beans briefly before sautéing to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, preventing soggy or overcooked vegetables.
  • Sauce Balance Technique: Adjust honey and lemon juice quantities to control sauce sweetness and tanginess, allowing personalization based on individual taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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