Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

This lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors. Juicy chicken breast is paired with tender-crisp green beans, all coated in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in just one skillet.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome ingredients.
• Bright and Flavorful: The lemon and garlic butter sauce is irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into strips)
• Fresh green beans (trimmed)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Lemon zest
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   • Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Green Beans:
   • In the same skillet, melt half the butter and add the green beans.
   • Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • Add remaining butter to the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
   • Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Combine:
   • Return the chicken and green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
   • Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve:
   • Transfer to plates and serve immediately, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Potatoes: Toss in some pre-cooked baby potatoes for a heartier meal.
• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, salmon, or turkey in place of chicken.
• Extra Veggies: Add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for variety.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and are equally flavorful.

2. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly juicy results.

3. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess water in the skillet.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and green beans in advance for quicker cooking.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

10. How do I thicken the sauce?

Let the sauce simmer a bit longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).

Conclusion

Lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its zesty sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious one-pan dinner that’s as easy as it is satisfying!

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