Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet – One Pan, All the Flavor 🍗🍋🌿

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner with minimal cleanup, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet will quickly become your go-to. With juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts and tender green beans tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a bright lemony kick, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-worthy flavor in under 30 minutes.

This dish is low-carb, packed with protein, and loaded with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving dinner for the family, the combination of lemon, herbs, garlic, and butter creates an irresistible sauce that coats every bite. It’s fresh, wholesome, and simply delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and washed

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Garlic and Green Beans
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. Add green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Sauté for 4–6 minutes until tender but still crisp.

3. Add Lemon Flavor and Return Chicken
Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the green beans. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm. Optional: add a lemon slice or wedge on each plate for extra brightness.

Chef’s Tips

Pound the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking. Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—they stay extra juicy. If green beans aren’t available, try asparagus or broccoli as a substitute. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. Finish with grated Parmesan for a savory boost.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this skillet meal over cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Add a side of crusty bread to soak up that buttery garlic sauce. Great for lunch the next day—just reheat gently to preserve the flavors.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay – “A perfect one-skillet dish that balances richness and brightness beautifully.”
Ina Garten – “Lemon, garlic, and butter? It doesn’t get more flavorful or classic than this.”
Jamie Oliver – “Fresh herbs, vibrant citrus, and lean protein—this is simple, healthy food at its best.”
Martha Stewart – “Ideal for weeknights or entertaining. Elegant but easy.”
Bobby Flay – “That garlic lemon butter sauce is a knockout—I’d put it on anything.”

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, just thaw and pat dry before sautéing to avoid excess water.
Is this dish keto-friendly? Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein.
Can I prep this ahead of time? Absolutely—cook the chicken and beans, then reheat and add lemon juice before serving.
What can I use instead of lemon? Try lime for a tangier twist, or white wine for added depth.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes—zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would be great.
What type of skillet should I use? A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet works best.
Can I bake this instead? Yes—sear the chicken first, then transfer to a 375°F oven to finish cooking with green beans.
How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat without drying out the chicken? Reheat in a covered skillet on low with a splash of water or chicken broth.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 380
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 240mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water
Freeze: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on stovetop

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Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is proof that healthy doesn’t have to be boring. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to dinner recipe that’s light, vibrant, and soul-satisfying. From the juicy chicken to the zesty sauce and crisp-tender green beans, every bite is packed with comfort and freshness. Don’t lose this recipe—it’s a keeper! 🍗🍋🌿 Must express something to keep getting my recipes…. Thank you!