There’s something so incredibly satisfying about a one-skillet meal. It’s quick, fuss-free, and oh-so-delicious. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty but light. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection, paired with vibrant green beans and coated in a buttery, garlicky, lemony sauce. Doesn’t that sound heavenly?
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just wholesome goodness and bold flavors. Plus, everything cooks up in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean. Win-win!
For me, this dish feels like comfort food meets fresh, healthy cooking. The garlic butter adds so much richness, while the lemon juice brightens up the entire meal with a zesty punch. The green beans? Oh, they’re the perfect partner, soaking up all that buttery sauce while staying crisp-tender.
This recipe has quickly become a weeknight favorite in my home. I often make it when I want something satisfying that won’t take forever to prepare. It’s also a hit with kids and adults alike because of its approachable flavors and juicy chicken. You’ll love it, I promise!
Let’s dive into the details of why this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is so amazing and how you can recreate it perfectly at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Minimal steps, one skillet, and no complicated techniques. Even beginner cooks can make this with confidence.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a sauce that’s both rich and refreshing.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Protein-packed chicken paired with fresh green beans makes this a wholesome, balanced meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the juicy chicken and buttery sauce. Plus, the green beans are simple and approachable.
- Quick Clean-Up: Since everything comes together in one skillet, you’ll spend less time scrubbing dishes after dinner.
Every bite of this dish is pure comfort with a touch of brightness. The golden-browned chicken thighs are tender and juicy, while the green beans stay crisp yet tender. The sauce brings everything together with its garlicky, buttery goodness. Plus, that little zing from the lemon juice makes each mouthful pop!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 3–4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 18g
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet:
For the Chicken:
- 3–6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a hint of smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and fresh cracked black pepper – To season the chicken perfectly.
The Green Beans:
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed – Fresh, crisp green beans are ideal.
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for a paleo version) – Butter gives the dish a rich, velvety texture.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is a must for that bold, aromatic flavor.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices for garnish – Lemon brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing tang.
- 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock – Adds depth to the sauce and keeps it light.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (we used Sriracha) – Optional but adds a subtle kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional) – For a hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is essential because it helps the chicken brown properly in the skillet.
- In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple spice mix will give the chicken a delicious, savory flavor.
- Rub the chicken thighs generously with the seasoning mixture. Make sure to coat each piece evenly so the flavor shines through. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the green beans.
2. Cook the Green Beans
- Place the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup of water.
- Microwave the green beans for about 8–10 minutes, or until they’re almost cooked but still crisp. This step ensures the beans cook quickly in the skillet later without becoming mushy.
3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt.
- Once the butter is hot and bubbly, place the chicken thighs top side down in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 5–6 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If the chicken browns too quickly, simply lower the heat.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the green beans and sauce.
4. Make the Sauce and Green Beans
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red chili pepper flakes (if using). Sauté the mixture for about 1–2 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Add the pre-cooked green beans to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter mixture. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, or until the beans are tender and coated with the sauce.
5. Combine and Serve
- Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce reduce for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Push the green beans to the side and return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it nicely, and let everything reheat for 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice.
6. Garnish and Enjoy
- Serve the lemon garlic butter chicken thighs warm, garnished with extra parsley, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Serve the chicken and green beans with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Pair it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the buttery garlic sauce.
- For a lighter option, serve it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Additional Tips for Success
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Always pat the chicken dry before cooking to get a good sear. This step is key to locking in flavor and achieving that golden-brown color.
- Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Cook the green beans until they’re tender-crisp. Overcooking will make them mushy and dull in color.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Adjust the Heat: If your chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat to prevent burning.
- Add a Spicy Kick: If you love spice, feel free to add more chili flakes or an extra dash of hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or mushrooms with the green beans for added variety.
- Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy twist.
- Swap the Protein: Use chicken breasts, shrimp, or even salmon fillets instead of chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with thyme, rosemary, or dill in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Spicier: Use more hot sauce, red chili flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and green beans for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before storing them in freezer-safe bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the kind of recipe that feels special but is simple enough for any day of the week. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and downright delicious—perfect for busy families or anyone craving a wholesome meal without the fuss.
I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, snap a picture, and share it with me on social media. I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Enjoy every bite! 🍋🍗
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
An easy and flavorful one-skillet meal featuring tender chicken thighs, buttery green beans, and a zesty garlic-lemon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 3–6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Microwave green beans with 1/2 cup water for 8–10 minutes.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Set aside.
- Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic, parsley, chili flakes, and green beans. Sauté for 4–5 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and lemon juice. Simmer to reduce sauce. Return chicken to the pan and heat through.
- Serve garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by increasing chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American