Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

A One-Pan Wonder for Busy Weeknights

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that's easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavor, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is exactly what you need. With tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, this dish is a delightful blend of zesty citrus, savory herbs, and buttery goodness. The addition of crisp-tender green beans makes it a complete meal — all in just one pan!

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings, this skillet recipe offers minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the buttery garlic sauce infuses the chicken and green beans with irresistible richness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These provide a lean, protein-packed base. For maximum flavor and tenderness, use evenly sized pieces.

Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sear the chicken, creating a beautiful golden crust while keeping it juicy.

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced – The heart of this dish’s flavor. Garlic adds rich, aromatic depth to the sauce.

1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings a subtle earthy flavor that complements the lemon.

1 teaspoon dried thyme – Offers a warm, herbaceous note that enhances the chicken’s savoriness.

1/4 cup chicken broth – Helps deglaze the skillet, lifting all those flavorful brown bits to create a rich sauce.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Melts into the sauce for luxurious richness.

Juice of 1 lemon – Adds bright, zesty acidity that balances the buttery richness perfectly.

Zest of 1 lemon – Provides an extra punch of citrus aroma and flavor.

For the Green Beans:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed – Adds vibrant color, crisp texture, and a fresh contrast to the rich chicken.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme on both sides.

2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).)

4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

2. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this step builds deep flavor.

3. Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt completely.

4. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

1. Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

2. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the green beans are tender yet still crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the chicken.

2. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, just until everything is heated through.

3. Garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs, if desired.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

✅ One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes, less cleanup!

✅ Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.

✅ Incredible Flavor: The rich, buttery garlic sauce with zesty lemon makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

✅ Nutritious and Balanced: With protein-packed chicken and fiber-rich green beans, this meal is as healthy as it is tasty.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking for faster, more even cooking.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet — giving the chicken space ensures a beautiful sear.

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same punch.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you enjoy a little spice.

For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end to create a creamy garlic butter sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans pairs beautifully with:

Garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.

Buttery rice pilaf to soak up the delicious sauce.

Crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of the buttery garlic goodness.

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.

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Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this one-skillet wonder will impress with its bold flavor and minimal effort. With buttery richness, zesty lemon, and 

savory herbs, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s destined to become a new favorite in your household!