If you’re looking for a dish that screams comfort and freshness all at once, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection mingle with crisp-tender green beans while being bathed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s fast, satisfying, and honestly, everything you want in a weeknight dinner. Plus, you can have this beautiful skillet meal ready in just about 35 minutes, making it a trusty go-to when you want something impressive with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe so incredible are the simple, straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, giving you that rich, tangy, buttery taste alongside fresh, vibrant green beans and perfectly seasoned chicken.
- 3 – 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender throughout cooking.
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed: Fresh green beans bring crisp texture and a lovely pop of green color.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for paleo diet): Butter adds silky richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A smokey, slightly sweet spice that deepens the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a subtle savory underpinning to the seasoning mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds bright heat and complexity.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices for garnish: Lemon juice brightens and balances the richness with zesty freshness.
- 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock: Builds the flavorful sauce and keeps everything moist.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha): Brings a subtle spicy kick that complements the buttery garlic sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional: Use if you love a bit more heat for depth.
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and a lovely herbaceous finish.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting those chicken thighs dry – this step is key to getting that golden, crispy exterior instead of steaming the meat. Mix paprika, onion powder, salt, and fresh cracked pepper, then rub this seasoning all over the chicken so every bite is seasoned beautifully.
Step 2: Precook the Green Beans
While your chicken rests, pop the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with a dash of water and cook until they’re almost tender but still have a little crunch. This ensures they finish cooking perfectly in the pan without turning mushy.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down (or the side you want golden), and cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes until beautifully golden. Flip and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes until cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Then, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Finish the Green Beans
Lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Toss in fresh parsley, minced garlic, hot sauce, and chili flakes if you’re using them, then add the precooked green beans. Stir and let everything mingle for 4-5 minutes to absorb those fabulous flavors.
Step 5: Combine Everything with Lemon and Stock
Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock, letting the sauce simmer and reduce just a bit to thicken. Push the green beans to one side, nestle the chicken back in the skillet, and give everything a quick reheat. Taste and adjust seasoning so every component sings.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a pinch of crushed red chili flakes for extra pop if you like heat, and slices of lemon to brighten every bite. These simple touches make the dish look as good as it tastes and add a fresh zesty note.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread to soak up that buttery lemon-garlic sauce. For a lighter option, try it alongside quinoa or cauliflower rice—both absorb flavors wonderfully while keeping the meal wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions right from the skillet for that rustic, homey vibe or transfer everything to a beautiful platter for dinner guests. You can also layer the chicken and green beans over a bed of pasta or zoodles for an elevated twist while keeping all the irresistible flavors intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The chicken and green beans keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option or a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or chicken stock can help loosen the sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but since they are leaner, watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying them out. You might want to pound them slightly for even cooking and finish with a bit of extra butter for moisture.
Is this recipe paleo-friendly?
Yes! To keep it paleo, swap regular butter for ghee, and double-check your hot sauce ingredients to avoid non-paleo additives. The rest of the recipe is full of whole, natural ingredients that fit well into paleo diets.
Can I make this recipe without hot sauce?
Definitely. The hot sauce adds a nice kick, but if you prefer no heat, just omit it and the chili flakes. The dish will still be bursting with garlic, lemon, and buttery flavor.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains and distributes heat evenly, giving you that beautiful sear on the chicken. However, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan will also work well if you don’t have cast iron.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans are best for texture and flavor, but if frozen is what you have on hand, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess liquid in the skillet.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite because of its perfect balance of fresh, zesty, and comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy each delicious bite just as much as I do.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy, seasoned chicken thighs cooked to perfection with tender green beans in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Ideal for a wholesome dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 – 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring better browning during cooking.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the mixed seasoning generously all over the chicken thighs and set them aside to marinate briefly while preparing the other ingredients.
- Pre-cook the Green Beans: Place the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup water and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes until they are nearly tender but still crisp, then drain.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Green Beans: In the same skillet, reduce the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, fresh chopped parsley, hot sauce, crushed red chili flakes if using, and the pre-cooked green beans. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and heated through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock. Allow the mixture to reduce and thicken slightly over a couple of minutes while stirring gently.
- Combine and Reheat: Push the green beans to one side of the skillet, return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, and reheat quickly to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and green beans, garnish generously with additional crushed chili flakes, fresh parsley, and lemon slices for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Microwaving the green beans before adding to the skillet speeds up cooking and helps retain their vibrant color and crunch.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve perfect searing on the chicken thighs.
- For a milder dish, omit the hot sauce and crushed red chili flakes.
- Ghee can be substituted for butter for a paleo-friendly version.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
