Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder for Every Occasion

Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½ cup chicken broth, divided; 12 ounces fresh green beans; 1-¼ teaspoons salt, divided; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 4-5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves); 1 lemon, juiced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons butter; Fresh parsley or dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes (optional)

Imagine a cozy evening at home, where the comforting aroma of garlic, butter, and lemon fills the air as you prepare a delicious, healthy meal. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is the perfect choice for those days when you crave something easy yet full of flavor. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, hosting a small dinner gathering, or just looking to enjoy a nutritious, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

Inspired by the need for a quick, flavorful dinner that can be cooked all in one pan, this recipe brings together tender chicken thighs, vibrant green beans, and a savory lemon garlic butter sauce. The marriage of zesty lemon and rich butter creates a sauce that’s mouthwateringly good, while the green beans add a fresh, crisp element that balances out the richness of the chicken. It’s the kind of meal you’ll return to again and again for its simplicity and unbeatable flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of quick, healthy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet will quickly become a go-to recipe. Not only is it a complete meal made in one skillet (meaning fewer dishes), but it’s also packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. The tender chicken thighs are full of savory goodness, while the green beans provide the perfect balance of freshness and crunch. The rich, garlic-infused butter sauce, made with a hint of lemon and a touch of red pepper flakes, ties everything together in the most delightful way.

Let’s dive into the details of this dish, from the easy-to-follow ingredients list to the steps that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients that come together to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Green Beans:

½ cup chicken broth, divided – Adds moisture and flavor to the green beans while deglazing the pan for the sauce.
12 ounces fresh green beans – Bright, fresh green beans that will take on the garlicky, buttery sauce.
1-¼ teaspoons salt, divided – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
½ teaspoon pepper – For a subtle, warm kick of flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Brings a rich, savory element to the chicken and green beans.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a depth of flavor with a slight smokiness.
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil – The oil creates a nice sear on the chicken.
4-5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless – Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for this dish.
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves) – Fresh garlic packs a punch and infuses the butter sauce with irresistible flavor.
1 lemon, juiced – The tangy lemon juice adds brightness and balances out the richness of the butter.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – A little heat to complement the garlic and lemon.
3 tablespoons butter – The key ingredient to making this sauce rich and velvety.

Garnishes (Optional):

Fresh parsley or dill – A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Lemon slices – For an extra burst of citrusy brightness.
Extra red pepper flakes – If you like a bit more heat, feel free to sprinkle on some extra red pepper flakes for an added kick.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

This recipe may seem like it requires a lot of steps, but don’t worry—it’s simple to execute, and most of the magic happens in one skillet! Here’s how to bring this flavorful dish to life in just a few easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of chicken broth to the pan, followed by the fresh green beans. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the green beans steam for about 5 minutes. This helps soften them slightly while locking in flavor.

After 5 minutes, remove the lid and let the green beans cook for another 2-3 minutes to cook off the liquid. The beans should now be tender but still crisp and bright green. Transfer them to a plate or bowl and set them aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small dish, mix together 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Then, generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with the spice blend you just made.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Next, add 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts to glisten, add the chicken thighs to the pan. Lay them out flat in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the skin is beautifully crisp.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the plate with the green beans. This step will allow the chicken to rest while you make the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

With the chicken and green beans out of the skillet, turn the heat down to medium. Immediately deglaze the pan with the remaining ¼ cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this adds incredible flavor to the sauce.

Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic, lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for a few minutes until the sauce reduces by about half. The garlic will infuse the broth, creating a rich and aromatic base for the sauce.

Now, stir in the butter and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. The butter will melt into the sauce, making it luxuriously rich and silky.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Green Beans, and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken thighs and green beans to the skillet. Gently toss them in the sauce to coat everything evenly. Allow the chicken and green beans to heat through in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes. This step will ensure that everything is nice and hot, and the chicken takes on even more of the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For a final touch, serve the dish with fresh lemon slices, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill, and extra red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavors of the dish, making it even more mouthwatering.

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for ease, you can also use bone-in thighs for even more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Customize the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of green beans, feel free to swap them out for other vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the veggie you choose.
Add a Little Parmesan: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and green beans before serving. The saltiness of the cheese complements the lemony, garlicky sauce perfectly.
Serve Over Rice or Pasta: If you’re looking for a heartier meal, this dish is perfect served over a bed of rice or pasta. The rice will absorb the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the ideal weeknight dinner. It’s quick, requires minimal prep, and uses just one skillet, which means cleanup is a breeze. The chicken cooks quickly, and the green beans add a fresh, healthy touch, making it a balanced meal in less than 30 minutes. Plus, the flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce brings everything together in a way that feels indulgent yet light.

A Dish for Every Occasion

This recipe isn’t just for busy weeknights; it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, making a week’s worth of meals, or just want something tasty and comforting, this skillet dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s easily customizable—whether you like your meals spicy, mild, or extra garlicky, this recipe allows you to make it your own.

Conclusion: A Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. From the tender chicken thighs to the fresh green beans and the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, every bite is packed with delicious flavor. Plus, the fact that it’s made in one skillet makes it easy to clean up after and perfect for busy weeknights.

Give this recipe a try, and share it with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time! Happy cooking!