Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and comforting buttery richness, let me introduce you to the magic of the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe. This skillet meal is a dream come true—juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs paired with tender-crisp green beans all swimming in a luscious, garlicky lemon butter sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress. Every bite is a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, a little spicy kick, and deep buttery goodness that feels like a warm hug from your favorite home-cooked meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to the success of this recipe. Each item works together to build the flavorful layers, from the aromatic garlic and tart lemon to the creamy butter that ties everything perfectly. The green beans add a pop of vibrant color and a satisfying crunch that balances the juicy chicken.
- Chicken thighs: Skinless and boneless for juicy, tender meat that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
- Green beans: Trimmed and microwaved just enough to keep their vibrant green color and crispness.
- Butter: Divided use gives you both a golden sear and a rich sauce base; swap for ghee if you want paleo-friendly.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds an irresistible aromatic punch.
- Paprika and onion powder: Spice and sweetness in perfect harmony for that cozy savory note.
- Salt and cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Lemon juice and lemon slices: Provides zesty brightness and beautiful garnish.
- Chicken stock: Adds body to the sauce, making it silky and flavorful.
- Hot sauce and crushed red chili flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle spicy heat that wakes up the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright herbal finish that’s both fresh and fragrant.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry; this helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice golden crust. Mix together the paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then rub this blend generously all over the chicken. Don’t rush this step—it’s the foundation of flavor that makes the chicken irresistible.
Step 2: Slightly Cook the Green Beans
Place trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with half a cup of water and microwave until they’re tender but still crisp. This quick step saves time and locks in their beautiful green color.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken in Butter
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust, about 5-6 minutes per side. The butter not only adds richness but also helps achieve that gorgeous sear. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce with Garlic and Herbs
Lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, hot sauce, and red chili flakes if you like some heat. Stir in the pre-cooked green beans and sauté for a few minutes to blend those flavors wonderfully.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Chicken Stock to Finish the Sauce
Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens just a bit and becomes glossy. This sauce is where the buttery, garlicky, and zesty flavors mingle perfectly—trust me, you’ll want to scoop every last drop.
Step 6: Reheat Chicken and Serve
Push the green beans to one side and nestle the chicken back into the skillet to warm through quickly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice if needed, then it’s ready for plating.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon slices add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. A sprinkle of crushed chili flakes on top livens it up visually and tastes great if you like a tiny kick. These simple garnishes make the plate look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty bread to soak up that dreamy sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp side salad works perfectly to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet meal family-style straight from the pan for a cozy, rustic vibe. Or, for a dinner party, divide onto warm plates and drizzle extra pan sauce over each serving, finishing with a delicate twist of lemon zest for a refined touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making it an excellent next-day meal option.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Store chicken and green beans together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture and flavor balance.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the chicken tender and the green beans crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to cook faster and may dry out if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and adjust cooking time accordingly for the best results.
Is this recipe paleo-friendly?
Yes, if you swap the butter for ghee and make sure your hot sauce has no added sugars or artificial ingredients, this dish fits perfectly into a paleo diet.
Can I make this dish spicy or mild?
Definitely! The hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so adjust those to your heat preference. You can leave them out entirely for a mild version or add extra for a fiery twist.
What’s the best way to trim green beans?
Simply snap or cut off the stem ends of the green beans. Removing the tail ends is optional, but stems are firmer and less pleasant to eat, so trimming them makes for a better texture.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Otherwise, piercing the thickest part and ensuring the juices run clear is a good indicator.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe to your regular rotation, the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple but packed with layers of vibrant flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites. Go ahead—get cooking, and enjoy every savory, buttery, lemony bite!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender lemon garlic butter chicken thighs cooked to perfection alongside crisp-tender green beans. Infused with a zesty lemon sauce, garlic, and a hint of spice from hot sauce and chili flakes, this skillet dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 – 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for paleo diet)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices for garnish
- 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a better sear.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Rub this seasoning mix generously all over the chicken thighs, then set aside.
- Cook the green beans: Place the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup water. Microwave for 8-10 minutes until the beans are almost cooked but still retain some crispness. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the sauce and vegetables: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic, fresh chopped parsley, hot sauce, and crushed red chili pepper flakes if using. Stir together and then add the microwaved green beans. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to combine flavors.
- Make the lemon sauce: Pour lemon juice and chicken stock into the skillet with the green beans and seasonings. Allow the sauce to reduce for a couple of minutes until it slightly thickens and coats the green beans.
- Reheat and combine: Push green beans to one side of the skillet. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan and reheat briefly with the sauce and beans. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and green beans, garnishing with extra crushed red chili flakes, fresh parsley, and a lemon slice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your vibrant, flavorful skillet meal!
Notes
- Using skinless, boneless chicken thighs ensures juicy, tender meat with quicker cooking times.
- Microwaving green beans prior to skillet cooking helps preserve their bright color and crisp texture.
- Cast iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution and great searing; a heavy-bottomed skillet works as well.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a paleo-friendly version, substitute butter with ghee.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
