This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and healthy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, paired with tender green beans for a balanced and satisfying dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Juice of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the green beans: Toss in the green beans and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Deglaze with broth and lemon juice: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let everything heat together for 2 more minutes.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~3g
Sodium: ~450mg

This meal is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation! 🍋🧄🍗

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a staple for those who love easy yet gourmet-tasting meals. Here are some of the reasons why this dish stands out:

Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in a single skillet, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Healthy and Nutritious: This meal provides a great balance of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy fats.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a rich yet fresh taste that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and green beans.
Customizable: You can easily swap or add ingredients to tailor the dish to your preferences, making it a versatile option for different dietary needs.

The Secret to Perfectly Juicy Chicken

One of the highlights of this recipe is the perfectly seared chicken breast that remains juicy and tender. Here are a few key tips to ensure success:

Even Thickness: If the chicken breasts are thick on one end and thin on the other, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
Proper Seasoning: Generously season both sides of the chicken to infuse it with flavor before cooking.
Searing Technique: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to get a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside moist.
Resting Time: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

The Flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

The sauce is what truly elevates this dish. The combination of butter, garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth creates a bright yet rich sauce that complements both the chicken and green beans. The acidity from the lemon balances the richness of the butter, while the garlic adds depth of flavor. This sauce not only coats the ingredients beautifully but also ties everything together into a cohesive dish.

Green Beans – The Perfect Sidekick

Green beans are the perfect vegetable for this dish because they retain a slight crunch and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. They provide a wonderful contrast in texture and a pop of freshness to the meal. Here’s why they are an excellent choice:

Nutrient-Dense: Green beans are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Low in Calories: They add volume to the dish without increasing the calorie count significantly.
Quick Cooking: Green beans cook quickly, making them ideal for this fast-paced recipe.

Customization and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:

Add More Vegetables: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for added variety and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
Low-Carb Alternative: If you’re on a keto or low-carb diet, this dish is already a great fit, but you can swap green beans for another low-carb vegetable like spinach or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile enough to be served in various ways, depending on your preference and dietary goals. Here are some serving ideas:

Over Rice or Quinoa: To make it a more filling meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to absorb the flavorful sauce.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect pairing with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
As Is: If you’re keeping it low-carb, enjoy this dish on its own with a simple side salad.
With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This dish is excellent for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how you can store and reheat it effectively:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and green beans in an airtight container for up to 2 months. However, green beans may lose some of their texture upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Health Benefits of This Dish

This meal is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

Lean Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality protein that supports muscle health and keeps you full.
Healthy Fats: Butter and olive oil provide heart-healthy fats that support overall well-being.
Vitamin-Rich: Green beans contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants that boost immune function and promote healthy skin.
Low in Carbs: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those on a low-carb or keto diet.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a must-try recipe that brings together bold flavors, simplicity, and nutrition. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. With its juicy chicken, tender green beans, and rich lemon garlic butter sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option, an easy meal prep solution, or simply a flavorful meal to enjoy, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to dish for so many home cooks!

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