If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner option, the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the perfect choice. This one-pan meal is bursting with vibrant flavors, thanks to the tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter. The combination of tender chicken and crisp green beans creates a balanced and satisfying dish that is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe with Green Beans
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more juiciness)
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary on both sides. Zest the lemon, then juice it. Set the lemon juice aside for later.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. You may want to cover the skillet with a lid to help steam the beans for faster cooking.
Add Garlic and Lemon: Once the green beans are tender, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty side of the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine Chicken and Green Beans: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Pour the lemon juice and zest over the chicken and green beans, stirring to coat everything in the flavorful sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Finish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken alongside the green beans, and enjoy a delightful, balanced meal!
2. Tips to Make This Recipe Perfect
Take the chicken thighs out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they have less fat and cook faster than bone-in ones. They also make it easier to rub the spice mixture directly into the meat.
Season the chicken thighs just before cooking to avoid drawing out moisture and drying out the meat. If you prefer to let it sit longer, skip the salt in the spice mixture and add it 10 minutes before cooking.
For a variation of this recipe, you can substitute chicken tenders. They are tasty and cook more quickly! Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent overcooking and drying out.
3. What To Eat With Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
When serving Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet, you’ll want to pair it with sides that complement the rich, tangy, and buttery flavors of the dish. Here are some great options to consider:
Lemon Rice: The citrusy notes of lemon rice pair beautifully with the lemony chicken and green beans, enhancing the overall freshness of the meal.
Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice, creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting, smooth texture that balances the crispy green beans and tender chicken. The richness of the mashed potatoes soaks up the lemon garlic butter sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
Crispy Bread or Dinner Rolls: Fresh, warm bread is always a great side for sopping up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Soft dinner rolls or a crusty baguette can be served alongside to complete the meal.
Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative to regular rice. It soaks up the lemony sauce, and its mild flavor won’t overpower the main dish.
Quinoa: Quinoa adds a bit of nuttiness and texture to the meal. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a gluten-free and protein-packed side that pairs nicely with the chicken and green beans.
Pasta: If you prefer a pasta side, opt for a simple pasta dish like Lemon Butter Pasta or Angel Hair with Garlic and Olive Oil. The lightness and simplicity of the pasta won’t overshadow the main dish but will blend beautifully with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
These sides not only complement the flavors of the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet, but they also offer variety and balance to your meal, making it even more satisfying and delicious.
