Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Sizzling chicken meets zesty lemon garlic butter chicken in this one-pan wonder that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender, juicy chicken thighs mingle with crisp green beans, creating a harmony of flavors and textures.

Every bite bursts with rich, buttery goodness and bright citrus notes.

The skillet method ensures maximum flavor development and minimal cleanup.

Succulent chicken pieces caramelize beautifully, while garlic infuses each morsel with aromatic depth.

Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, this skillet recipe delivers restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Cooking Steps for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Chicken Prep Ritual

Grab those juicy chicken thighs and give them a gentle pat down with a paper towel, removing any extra moisture to ensure they’ll brown beautifully in the skillet.

• Flavor Symphony

Create a magical seasoning blend by mixing onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage this vibrant mixture all over the chicken, letting the spices whisper their delicious secrets into the meat.

• Green Bean Warmup

Toss your fresh green beans into a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water. Zap them until they’re just tender but still maintain a delightful crunch.

• Skillet Magic

Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet, letting it dance and sizzle. Lay the seasoned chicken skin-side down, creating a golden-brown crust that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Garlic and Herb Dance

After the chicken is perfectly cooked, toss garlic, parsley, and a hint of spice into the same skillet. Swirl the green beans around, letting them soak up all those incredible flavors.

• Citrus Finale

Splash in some lemon juice and chicken stock, letting the liquid reduce and create a dreamy sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, giving everything a final warm embrace.

• Serving Celebration

Plate your masterpiece, garnishing with extra herbs and a lemon slice. Each bite promises a burst of flavor that’ll transport you to culinary heaven.

Ideas to Enhance the Chicken and Green Beans Combo

• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like Cajun blend, Italian seasoning, or curry powder to transform the chicken's flavor profile instantly.
• Replace green beans with asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli for a delightful seasonal twist that keeps the dish exciting and nutritious.
• Transform this recipe into a keto-friendly meal by using cauliflower instead of green beans and ensuring all ingredients align with low-carbohydrate guidelines.
• Prep the chicken and seasoning mixture the night before, storing it in an airtight container to enhance flavor penetration and streamline next-day cooking.
• Easily substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even firm tofu for a versatile protein option that suits different dietary preferences.

Serving Lemon Garlic Chicken That Pops

• Zesty Dinner Plate Companion: Pair this skillet masterpiece with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
• Bright Mediterranean Twist: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to complement the chicken's tangy flavors.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a chilled sauvignon blanc or crisp pinot grigio to enhance the lemony notes and cut through the rich buttery chicken.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and extra aromatic brightness to the dish.

Save and Store Chicken Skillet Meals Smartly

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken and green beans in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken from vegetables to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy beans.
• Freshness Window: Enjoy refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days. Keep the meal sealed tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Pack completely cooled dishes in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and green beans can remain frozen for up to 2 months without compromising taste or nutritional quality.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain moisture. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Microwave green beans separately for 1-2 minutes to maintain their crisp texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent and tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully, boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy eating.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, clean finish and vibrant green color to the dish.

• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic powerhouse that brings deep, pungent kick to the chicken and creates rich base flavor.
• Lemon: Zesty citrus that cuts through richness and adds tangy brightness to balance the dish.
• Hot Sauce: Adds spicy depth and creates complex flavor profile with subtle heat.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful reddish color.
• Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated savory essence without chopping fresh onions.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that season and highlight other ingredients.
• Red Chili Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra heat and subtle smoky warmth.

• Butter: Creates silky sauce, adds richness, and helps develop golden browning on chicken.
• Chicken Stock: Provides liquid for braising and intensifies overall savory flavor profile.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative garnish that signals fresh, bright flavor.
• Green Beans: Nutritious vegetable that absorbs pan flavors and adds crisp texture contrast.

Tools to Make This Skillet Chicken Meal Fast

• Large cast-iron skillet: Perfect for achieving that golden-brown chicken and creating delicious pan sauces.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining dry seasoning ingredients.
• Microwave-safe dish: Quick method for partially cooking green beans.
• Paper towels: Essential for drying chicken to ensure crispy skin.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion out spices and seasonings.
• Cooking tongs: Great for flipping chicken and handling ingredients safely.
• Kitchen knife: Needed for chopping parsley and slicing lemons.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet delivers zesty Mediterranean comfort on a single pan. Home cooks can savor this quick, flavorful meal packed with simple ingredients and fresh herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 lb (453 g) green beans, trimmed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup fresh chopped parsley
• ½ lemon, juice and slices for garnish
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 3 tbsps butter (or ghee for paleo diet)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken thighs completely dry to achieve maximum crispiness, then coat thoroughly with a robust spice blend of onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Steam green beans until tender-crisp, ensuring they maintain a vibrant color and slight crunch.
3. Chicken Searing: Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, then meticulously sear chicken thighs skin-side down until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
4. Aromatic Infusion: In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes with pre-steamed green beans, creating a harmonious flavor foundation.
5. Sauce Development: Deglaze the pan with fresh lemon juice and chicken stock, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce into a concentrated, zesty sauce.
6. Final Assembly: Reunite the cooked chicken with the seasoned green beans, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the vibrant sauce.
7. Serving: Plate immediately, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes, fresh parsley sprigs, and lemon wedges to elevate the dish’s sensory experience.

Notes

• Blot Chicken Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures perfect golden-brown skin and prevents steaming instead of searing.
• Season Generously: Massaging spices thoroughly helps create a flavor-packed exterior that penetrates deep into the meat.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Skillet Technique: Cast-iron skillets provide superior heat distribution and develop rich, caramelized flavors during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg