Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal that I love making when I need something flavorful yet simple. With juicy chicken breasts, crisp-tender green beans, and a lemony garlic butter sauce, everything comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I really enjoy this recipe for how easy and fast it is without sacrificing taste. The chicken is golden and tender, the green beans have just the right amount of crunch, and the garlic butter with a squeeze of lemon brings it all together beautifully. It’s a great weeknight dinner, yet tasty enough for when I’m entertaining guests. Plus, everything cooks in one skillet, which saves me both time and effort.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Fresh green beans, trimmed

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• Lemon zest

• Chicken broth or water

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and part of the butter over medium heat.

3. I sear the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, then I transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

4. In the same skillet, I add the green beans and sauté them until they’re bright green and just starting to soften.

5. Then I stir in the garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

6. I add the remaining butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. I let it all simmer for a few minutes so the green beans soak up the flavor.

7. I return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over everything. I let it cook for another minute or two so the flavors come together.

8. Finally, I garnish with chopped parsley and serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.

Variations

When I want a twist, I swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs—they’re a bit more juicy and flavorful. Sometimes I add a handful of cherry tomatoes with the green beans for a pop of color and sweetness. For a richer sauce, I stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. And if I’m in the mood for more herbs, thyme or rosemary go beautifully with the lemon garlic butter.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I use the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. The microwave works too, but I cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear, and the center should be no longer pink.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, I can. I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they don’t add extra moisture to the pan.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like pairing it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. I just reheat gently when I’m ready to serve, preferably on the stovetop.

Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

It is! The dish is naturally low in carbs, especially if I skip any starchy sides and focus on the chicken and green beans.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet has become a go-to meal for me. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of bright, buttery flavors that I crave any night of the week. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to whenever I want something tasty without the fuss.