Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Meet your new weeknight hero: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet. It’s a skillet full of golden, juicy chicken thighs, crisp-tender green beans, and the kind of zesty, garlicky butter sauce that you wish you could just eat with a spoon. This bright, wholesome, one-pan dinner comes together quickly with simple ingredients, but it delivers big, vibrant flavors that’ll make you want to lick your plate clean.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing out the bold lemon-garlic flavor, juicy texture, and those gorgeous pops of green. Don’t skimp or swap unless you have to—the lineup is short, but every component really counts!

• Chicken Thighs (skinless, boneless): Juicy and flavorful, these soak up all those buttery, garlicky notes perfectly. Try to pat them dry for the best browning.
• Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and vibrant, they provide crisp freshness and soak up the zesty sauce beautifully.
• Butter (or ghee): The star of that luscious sauce—use real butter or ghee for a paleo touch, and don’t be afraid to get that skillet sizzling.
• Garlic Cloves: Four whole cloves give this dish its signature punch; don’t hold back if you love that flavor.
• Paprika & Onion Powder: This savory duo is your secret to ultra-flavorful chicken with a hint of warmth and sweet spice.
• Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for building depth and making all the flavors sing—season generously.
• Lemon Juice & Slices: Brightens every bite and makes the sauce irresistibly tangy; extra slices look gorgeous as a garnish.
• Chicken Stock: Adds body to the sauce and keeps everything succulent and juicy.
• Hot Sauce (like Sriracha): For just the right kick—adjust to your taste, or leave it out for a mild version.
• Crushed Red Chili Pepper Flakes (optional): Perfect for an extra pop of heat!
• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Adds a splash of color and a burst of herby freshness to finish the dish.

Variations

One of the many joys of this recipe is how flexible it is! Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet easily adapts to what’s in your fridge or meets your dietary needs, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.

• Swap Chicken Thighs for Breasts: You can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs—just slice them for quicker cooking and take care not to overcook.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version that’s still full of flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Throw in asparagus, broccoli florets, or snap peas if you want more veggies, just watch their cooking time so everything stays crisp.
• Make It Extra Spicy: Amp up the chili flakes and hot sauce, or drizzle in some chili oil for serious heat lovers!

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Step 1: Pat the Chicken Dry & Season

Start by patting your chicken thighs super dry with paper towels. You want the surfaces nice and moisture-free for maximum golden browning! In a small bowl, stir together the onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub this mixture all over your chicken. Let it hang out while you prep the beans—it lets the seasoning work its magic.

Step 2: Steam the Green Beans

Add your trimmed green beans to a microwave-safe dish with about ½ cup of water, cover loosely, and microwave for 8–10 minutes until they’re almost cooked but still have a snappy crunch. This step makes sure they’re perfectly done once you toss them in the skillet later—no mushy beans here!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In your largest cast iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Arrange the chicken thighs top-side down in the sizzling butter and let them cook untouched for 5–6 minutes, until they develop a deep, golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for another 5–6 minutes, until the juices run clear or an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you finish the beans and sauce.

Step 4: Build the Lemon Garlic Sauce & Finish the Beans

Turn the heat down and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Toss in the chopped parsley, minced garlic, hot sauce, chili flakes, and those perfectly pre-cooked green beans. Let them sizzle for 4–5 minutes, stirring so everything gets beautifully coated and caramelized. Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock, and let the sauce bubble away for a couple of minutes until it thickens ever so slightly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Push the green beans to one side and nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, letting them soak in that luscious sauce. Give everything a quick taste—add extra black pepper or another squeeze of lemon if you want. Serve right away and watch those plates come back sparkling clean!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines when topped with extra chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, a sprinkle of red chili flakes for heat, and plenty of bright lemon slices. Feel free to grate a little lemon zest over the skillet right before serving for an even bolder burst of citrusy aroma.

Side Dishes

While Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, it pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crusty hunk of good bread (for soaking up all that irresistible buttery sauce). A simple green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette works wonders if you want something extra light!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the green beans in the center of a large platter and arranging the glistening chicken thighs on top, then drizzle with the pan sauce and garnish. For a bistro-style presentation, serve each portion in shallow bowls with the sauce spooned generously over everything, and add a wedge of lemon or two on the side for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them (chicken, beans, and sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors deepen after a day, so tomorrow’s lunch will be even more delicious!

Freezing

You can freeze Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet, but the green beans may lose a bit of their snappy texture. To freeze, portion into airtight containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long—just enough to get things hot, so the chicken stays juicy and the beans don’t go limp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an all-in-one meal that delivers comfort, freshness, and just the right zip of flavor, give Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet a try. It’s fuss-free, full of fresh ingredients, and absolutely magical for weeknights—or anytime you want a little extra sunshine on your table. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

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