Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a vibrant and delicious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. With tender, juicy chicken and crisp green beans coated in a zesty, buttery lemon garlic sauce, this dish is the perfect combination of freshness and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.

3. Cook the Green Beans

1. Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
2. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the green beans are tender.

4. Combine & Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• Substitute Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will also stay juicy and tender.
• Add Vegetables: For more variety, try adding other vegetables like asparagus or carrots to the skillet.
• Spice it up: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have them on hand, fresh thyme and parsley can elevate the flavor even more.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers

1. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
2. Place the chicken and green beans in an airtight container.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

1. To reheat, place the chicken and green beans in a skillet over low heat.
2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent it from drying out.
3. Cover and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans work as well, but they may take a little longer to cook. Make sure to cook them until they’re tender and heated through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and green beans in advance and store them separately. Then, just reheat and combine them when ready to serve.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

For extra lemony goodness, you can add a bit more lemon juice or lemon zest to the sauce. Just adjust to your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a complete meal packed with fresh, bold flavors. The creamy butter sauce infused with garlic and lemon perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp green beans. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish that’s quick to prepare but big on flavor, this skillet meal will hit the spot!