Blog Post: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Introduction
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option that the whole family will love? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then paired with tender green beans and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s an easy, weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for a paleo option)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
- 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures proper browning. In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously rub the chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture and set them aside. - Cook the Green Beans:
Place the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup of water. Microwave for 8-10 minutes until the green beans are almost done but still crisp. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet, top side down. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley, hot sauce, and crushed red chili pepper flakes (if using). Add the pre-cooked green beans to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Finish the Dish:
Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Let the sauce reduce for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Reintroduce the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Adjust the seasoning if needed and quickly reheat the chicken. - Serve:
Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans warm, garnished with extra chili flakes, fresh parsley, and a lemon slice for a bright, zesty finish.
Tips and Variations
- Substitute for Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken breasts, they can be used instead of thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts tend to cook faster.
- Make it Paleo: Substitute butter with ghee to make this dish paleo-friendly.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap the green beans with other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a delightful, quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The zesty lemon pairs beautifully with the savory garlic butter, making every bite burst with flavor. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it even better! Give it a try and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans recipe is the epitome of simplicity and flavor combined. The succulent chicken thighs are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, with a hint of lemon to cut through the richness, paired with crisp green beans that add a fresh, clean taste. It’s a dish that promises satisfaction with every bite, perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent meal.
Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a family meal, this skillet recipe is designed to make your life easier. The quick preparation and minimal cleanup mean you can enjoy a gourmet meal any night of the week. The blend of tangy lemon, spicy garlic, and the natural sweetness of green beans creates a harmonious dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes.
Ingredients
3 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for paleo diet)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt and fresh cracked black pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring proper browning.
Combine onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Generously rub the chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture and set aside.
Place green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup water and microwave for 8-10 minutes until almost done but still crisp.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
Cook the chicken thighs top side down until golden, about 5-6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until a thermometer shows 165°F (75°C).
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, add garlic, parsley, hot sauce, chili flakes, and pre-cooked green beans. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
Add lemon juice and chicken stock, reduce for a couple of minutes until sauce thickens.
Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, adjust seasoning, and quickly reheat.
Serve warm, garnished with chili flakes, parsley, and a lemon slice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 Kcal