Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that combines the richness of tender, juicy chicken thighs with the crisp, vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables—all cooked in one pan. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet offers just that, combining the savory goodness of chicken with the bright, zesty notes of lemon and garlic, all wrapped in a buttery sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish is as simple as it is indulgent.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, it’s easy to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore the kitchen, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe will become a fast favorite.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make this dish, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions. Along the way, we’ll also discuss tips for ingredient substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions to help you personalize the recipe to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Yield: 3 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

• 3–6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 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 + lemon slices for garnish
• 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Sriracha works great)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious! Follow these simple steps to create a meal that’s full of flavor, ready in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs
   Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the chicken brown beautifully when cooked. Set the chicken aside.
2. Season the Chicken
   In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken sit for a moment while you prep the green beans.
3. Pre-Cook the Green Beans
   In a microwave-safe dish, arrange the green beans and add 1/2 cup of water. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, or until the green beans are almost done but still slightly crisp. This step ensures that the beans are tender without becoming too soft when cooked in the skillet.
4. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If the chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the thighs. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. Cook the Garlic, Green Beans, and Sauce
   Lower the heat in the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, hot sauce, crushed red chili pepper flakes (if using), and the pre-cooked green beans. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the green beans to become perfectly tender. Add the lemon juice and chicken stock, and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Reheat the Chicken and Combine
   Push the green beans to the side of the skillet and place the chicken back into the pan. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the chicken and reheat it for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve
   Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken warm, garnished with fresh parsley, additional chili flakes, and lemon slices for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas: What to Expect

As the chicken thighs sizzle in the skillet, their skin crisps up to a golden brown, locking in all of the juicy goodness. The aroma of garlic and butter wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist taking a taste. The lemon’s zesty fragrance brings a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness of the chicken. When combined with the mild heat from the Sriracha sauce and the optional red chili flakes, the dish takes on an irresistible balance of flavors.

The green beans, tender yet slightly crisp, provide the perfect texture contrast to the succulent chicken. They soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and just a hint of spice. Whether you eat the chicken with a fork or scoop it up with a bite of green beans, every mouthful is a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as written, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Chicken: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since breasts cook faster than thighs.
• Butter: For a dairy-free or paleo-friendly option, swap the butter for ghee or coconut oil. Ghee works wonderfully to add richness without the dairy.
• Green Beans: If green beans aren’t in season or you prefer a different vegetable, you can swap them for broccoli, asparagus, or even zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Hot Sauce: If you want to skip the heat, simply omit the hot sauce and chili flakes. Alternatively, you can use a milder hot sauce or switch to a smoky chipotle sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs: While parsley is a perfect complement to this dish, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions to elevate the meal:

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great way to complement the flavors and provide a comforting side.
• Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the chicken and butter sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand to dip into the flavorful sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup (thanks to the one-pan cooking method), and delivers a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. The juicy chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned, and the lemon garlic butter sauce brings everything together in a harmonious burst of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, yet special enough for a weekend meal.

Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet a must-have recipe in your cooking repertoire!