Brighten your weeknight with a quick, flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet! This One-Pan Dinner combines tender chicken breasts and crisp green beans in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy evenings. Ready in under 30 minutes, this zesty skillet meal is a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to clean up. Let’s whip up a Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet for a savory, citrusy delight!
Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
- One-Pan Ease: Cooks in a single skillet for minimal cleanup in this savory one-pan feast.
- Zesty Flavors: Lemon and garlic create a bright, comforting citrusy chicken dish.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknight zesty skillet meals.
- Healthy Choice: Lean chicken and green beans make a nutritious savory one-pan feast.
- Versatile: Swap veggies or adjust seasonings for a customizable citrusy chicken dish.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need for this zesty skillet meal (makes 4 servings):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g)
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 lemon (zest and juice, about 2 tbsp juice)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Zester or grater
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Use even-thickness chicken breasts for uniform cooking in Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet.
- Green Beans: Fresh beans ensure a crisp texture in this savory one-pan feast; frozen can work if thawed.
- Lemon: Fresh zest and juice add vibrancy to this citrusy chicken dish; avoid bottled juice.
- Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the sauce rich without overpowering this zesty skillet meal.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the aroma of this savory one-pan feast.
Directions for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Let’s create this zesty skillet meal!
Prepare the Chicken
I pat 4 chicken breasts dry and season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C). I set the chicken aside for this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet.
Sauté the Green Beans
In the same skillet, I reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter, and swirl to melt. I toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 lb green beans. I stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp, creating a vibrant citrusy chicken dish.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
I add ½ cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. I scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened, crafting a rich sauce for this savory one-pan feast.
Combine and Finish
I return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. I spoon the sauce over everything and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors, completing this zesty skillet meal.
Serve
I serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon slices, enjoying the bright, savory flavors of this citrusy chicken dish.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 30g protein, 20g fat, 3g fiber
Variations for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Try these twists on this zesty skillet meal:
- Veggie Swap: Use asparagus or broccoli, inspired by Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad.
- Protein Twist: Swap chicken for shrimp or thighs for a juicier savory one-pan feast.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter, inspired by Food and Tips’ Vegan Breakfast Cookies.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy citrusy chicken dish.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds, inspired by Food and Tips’ Fall Fruit Salad.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ Greek Yogurt Parfait for a light side.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler for a tropical touch.
Storage
I store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring to keep this savory one-pan feast juicy. For freezing, I cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before reheating.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve this citrusy chicken dish family-style from the skillet for a cozy vibe.
- Garnish: Add fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a vibrant touch.
- Pairing: Enjoy with rice or Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte.
- Portion Size: 1 chicken breast and ~1 cup green beans per serving for a hearty zesty skillet meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
FAQs About Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use frozen green beans for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet?
Yes, thaw and drain well, then reduce sauté time to 3–5 minutes for this zesty skillet meal.
How do I keep chicken juicy?
Cook to 165°F (74°C) and rest briefly to retain moisture in this savory one-pan feast.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe citrusy chicken dish.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap butter for olive oil or plant-based spread for a dairy-free zesty skillet meal.
What can I substitute for chicken?
Use shrimp or chicken thighs for a different protein in this savory one-pan feast.
More High-Protein Meals You’ll Love
- High Protein Chicken Orzo: A Creamy, Healthy One-Pan Delight
- Protein Bagels
- Easy Baked Salmon Recipe: A Flavorful, Healthy Dinner
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick, flavorful way to enjoy a wholesome weeknight meal. This zesty skillet meal, with its bright lemon garlic sauce, is perfect for busy evenings or cozy dinners. Cook up this savory one-pan feast, garnish with fresh herbs, and savor a delicious, citrusy treat!
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g)
- 1 lb 450g fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp 30g unsalted butter
- 1 lemon zest and juice, about 2 tbsp juice
- 2 tbsp 30ml olive oil
- ½ cup 120ml low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- I pat 4 chicken breasts dry and season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C). I set the chicken aside for this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet.
Sauté the Green Beans
- In the same skillet, I reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter, and swirl to melt. I toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 lb green beans. I stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp, creating a vibrant citrusy chicken dish.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- I add ½ cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. I scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened, crafting a rich sauce for this savory one-pan feast.
Combine and Finish
- I return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. I spoon the sauce over everything and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors, completing this zesty skillet meal.
Serve
- I serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon slices, enjoying the bright, savory flavors of this citrusy chicken dish.
Notes
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!
