Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Imagine the sizzle of tender chicken hitting a hot skillet, the aromatic fusion of zesty lemon and fragrant garlic filling your kitchen, and the vibrant pop of crisp green beans nestled in a silky butter sauce. This one-pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a weeknight miracle that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The bright, citrusy notes balance perfectly with the rich, buttery sauce, creating an irresistible dinner that’s both comforting and fresh. You’ll learn how to perfectly sear chicken, create a luscious pan sauce, and time the cooking so everything finishes at its peak of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it’s a complete meal in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening. The contrast between the tender, juicy chicken breast and the snappy, crisp-tender green beans provides a satisfying textural experience in every bite.

The sauce is where the magic truly happens—bright lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, while the garlic adds depth and warmth that ties everything together. It’s elegant enough for company but simple enough for Monday night dinner.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this dish delivers incredible flavor while still being relatively light and packed with protein and vegetables. The entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For this delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 tablespoons (56g) butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 medium lemon (juice and zest)
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The chicken breasts should be evenly pounded to ensure consistent cooking. For the green beans, look for bright, firm ones without blemishes. Fresh lemon is essential—both the zest and juice bring vibrant flavor that bottled alternatives simply can’t match.

Pro Tips

Properly Prepare Your Chicken: Pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning. This ensures a beautiful golden sear rather than steaming. For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This prevents overcooking thin parts while waiting for thicker sections to finish.

Master the Perfect Sear: Get your skillet properly hot before adding the chicken. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Once you place the chicken in the pan, resist the urge to move it around—let it develop that golden crust for 5-6 minutes before flipping. This single step makes the difference between restaurant-quality results and mediocre chicken.

Layer Your Flavors: Build flavor complexity by deglazing the pan with chicken broth after removing the chicken. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan—this is where incredible depth of flavor hides in the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet. Adding butter in stages rather than all at once creates a more stable, silky sauce that won’t break.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the green beans and season with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans begin to blister in spots but remain bright green and crisp-tender. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. You want them to maintain some crunch for textural contrast in the final dish.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter. Add the dried Italian herbs and stir to combine.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavor-packed bits are crucial for a rich sauce in your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet. Add the lemon zest and juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.

Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.

Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish. Serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet directly from the pan for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving platter for a more elegant approach.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Mediterranean flavors by adding ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes and ¼ cup kalamata olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil instead of parsley. The briny olives and tangy feta complement the lemony sauce beautifully.

Spicy Cajun Version: For heat lovers, replace the Italian herbs with 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning in both the chicken rub and the sauce. Add a diced bell pepper along with the green beans for extra color and nutrition. This variation adds a warming kick that’s perfect for chilly evenings while maintaining the dish’s fresh, vibrant character.

Low-Carb/Keto Friendly: Make this dish even more low-carb friendly by using chicken thighs instead of breasts for higher fat content, and adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the sauce. You can also include ½ cup heavy cream to create a richer, more indulgent sauce that’s perfect for keto dieters while still keeping the essential lemon-garlic flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce. Microwaving is convenient but may cause the chicken to become tough and the green beans to lose their texture.

For an impressive dinner presentation, serve this skillet dish alongside fluffy white rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice makes an excellent accompaniment that soaks up the flavors beautifully.

Turn this into a more substantial meal by starting with a light salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens provide a nice contrast to the warm, savory main dish. For wine pairing, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay complements the lemony notes in the dish perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in juicier meat. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take 1-2 minutes longer per side.

What if my green beans are still too crunchy?
If you prefer softer green beans, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the skillet after adding the beans, then cover and steam for 2-3 minutes before continuing with the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep all ingredients ahead of time. For meal prep, consider undercooking the green beans slightly so they don’t become mushy when reheated.

How can I thicken the sauce more?
For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce. Alternatively, let the sauce reduce longer before adding the chicken back to the skillet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth label as some brands may contain gluten additives.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is comfort food at its finest — bright, satisfying, and nourishing all at once. The zesty lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, while the tender chicken and crisp green beans create a perfect balance of textures. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special, proving that impressive flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss.

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