Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a delightful dinner option that comes together quickly. This dish features tender chicken and fresh green beans, all coated in a creamy, rich lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
This recipe is fantastic for many reasons! It’s easy to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The flavors are vibrant and satisfying, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients you likely already have at home, making it simple to whip up any night of the week.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Cooking this dish is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then sautéing garlic in butter to create a rich sauce. Finally, toss in the green beans and combine everything for a complete meal that’s both hearty and fresh.
What You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups green beans
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add green beans and lemon juice, cooking until the green beans are tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
This meal can stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes. You could also serve it with a side salad for a refreshing touch. It’s a fantastic option for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
For leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the lemon juice based on your taste preference; feel free to add more for extra zing.
- Make sure to not overcook the green beans; they should be bright and tender-crisp.
- Consider using chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for more variety.
- Don’t skip the butter; it enriches the sauce beautifully.
Variations & Swaps
- If you want to make this recipe lighter, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas.
- Delight your taste buds with added herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Substitute green beans with asparagus or broccoli, depending on your family’s favorites.
- Create a spicy kick by adding red pepper flakes or chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and green beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just heat them up before serving. For the best results, store the garlic butter sauce separately until ready to use.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, tossing occasionally to ensure even heating. Adjust the seasoning with a little salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Both will soak up the delicious garlic butter flavor nicely.
Any tips to avoid overcooking the chicken?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Don’t forget to remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches that temperature.
Enjoy this cozy and comforting dish with your family!
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups green beans Must be trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter For the sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece lemon, juiced Adjust according to taste preference
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking chicken
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add green beans and lemon juice, cooking until the green beans are tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.
