If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bright, comforting flavors, you’re going to love this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of tender chicken thighs cooked in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce, paired with crisp-tender green beans that soak up all that incredible flavor. This skillet dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special but requires minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this recipe brings vibrant colors and a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and buttery goodness right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe celebrates simplicity with ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each element plays a crucial role: from the aromatic garlic and zingy lemon juice to the rich butter and tender chicken, all complemented by fresh, crisp green beans that add a fresh crunch to the skillet.
- Chicken thighs: Skinless and boneless for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
- Green beans: Fresh and trimmed to add crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- Butter (or ghee): Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Packs a fragrant punch that’s essential to the lemon garlic flavor profile.
- Paprika: Provides mild smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- Onion powder: Boosts the savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Essential for perfectly seasoning the dish.
- Juice of half a lemon + lemon slices: Adds bright, zesty freshness that awakens all the flavors.
- Chicken stock: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
- Hot sauce (such as Sriracha): Brings a subtle heat and complexity to the skillet.
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional): For those who love an extra kick.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness and a lovely color contrast.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure they brown beautifully when cooked. Then, mix paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the chicken thighs. This step builds the flavor foundation that powers the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
Place the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with half a cup of water and microwave them for 8-10 minutes. You want them tender but still holding a crisp bite so they can absorb the flavors in the skillet later without turning mushy—this adds great texture to the final dish.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Heat a large cast iron skillet on medium-low and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Carefully place your seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Flip and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Green Beans
Lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red chili flakes if using, then toss in the pre-cooked green beans. Cook everything together for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly so the green beans soak up that buttery, garlicky warmth and a hint of spice.
Step 5: Create the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chicken stock into the skillet, letting the sauce simmer and reduce slightly for a couple of minutes. This sauce is the magic that ties the dish together, offering a bright, tangy balance to the richness of the butter and chicken.
Step 6: Finish and Reheat
Push the green beans to one side of the skillet and nestle the chicken back in. Let it reheat quickly, allowing the flavors to meld. Give the seasoning a quick taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra lemon if needed. Now your skillet masterpiece is ready to be served!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring freshness and a pop of color that makes this dish shine even brighter. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, a few crushed red chili flakes for some heat, and a lemon slice on the side. These little touches create a restaurant-quality presentation that feels warm and inviting.
Side Dishes
While this recipe stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even a crusty piece of bread will soak up that delicious sauce perfectly. Light salads or roasted potatoes are also great choices to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve the chicken thighs whole on a white platter topped with parsley and lemon slices. Alternatively, slice the chicken and arrange alongside the green beans for easy plating. Consider serving it family-style right from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe that invites everyone to dive in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze the cooked chicken and green beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet over medium-low heat on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to keep everything moist and tasty. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from drying out and the green beans from getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful they cook faster and can dry out easily. Adjust your cooking time and consider marinating for extra moisture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for ghee or a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil, which still delivers rich flavor and a lovely texture.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans work best for their crisp texture, but you can use frozen green beans if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the skillet.
How spicy is this dish with the hot sauce and chili flakes?
The heat level is mild to moderate and can be adjusted by using more or less hot sauce and chili flakes depending on your personal preference.
Can I prepare elements of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and prep the green beans in advance. Even cook the chicken partially, then finish everything off just before serving for a stress-free cooking experience.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is one of those true kitchen gems that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Its bright, buttery flavors and satisfying textures make it a wonderful dish to share with family or friends anytime. I encourage you to try it soon and discover how quickly it can become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce with crisp-tender green beans. The combination of zesty lemon juice, savory paprika and onion powder seasonings, and a touch of heat from optional chili flakes and hot sauce creates a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 3 – 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
Liquids and Fats
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for paleo diet)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices for garnish
- 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
Optional
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat Chicken Dry: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Season Chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture generously all over the chicken thighs and set them aside for flavor infusion.
- Pre-cook Green Beans: Place trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup water. Microwave for 8-10 minutes until the beans are almost cooked but still crisp.
- Melt Butter in Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken develops a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Green Beans and Flavorings: Lower the heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet, then add minced garlic, fresh parsley, hot sauce, and optional crushed red chili flakes. Add the pre-cooked green beans and sauté, stirring regularly for 4-5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add Lemon and Stock: Pour lemon juice and chicken stock into the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce for a couple of minutes until it slightly thickens to coat the ingredients.
- Reheat Chicken: Push the green beans to the side, return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, and reheat quickly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra crushed chili pepper, fresh parsley, and lemon slices if desired. Enjoy this flavorful, comforting skillet meal!
Notes
- You can swap butter with ghee if following a paleo diet.
- Microwaving green beans before sautéing ensures they cook evenly and retain a pleasant crunch.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes to suit your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or finishing with grated Parmesan.
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
