Here’s a Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a one-pan meal packed with zesty lemon, savory garlic, tender chicken, and crisp-tender green beans.
🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
🕒 Ready in: 30 minutes
🍽 Serves: 3–4
🧄 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce & Beans:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon (plus zest, if desired)
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1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
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1 lb (450g) green beans, trimmed
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
🔪 Instructions:
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Season and Sear the Chicken:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
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Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
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Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Garlic and Green Beans:
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In the same skillet, melt the butter.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Toss in the green beans and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender but still crisp.
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Deglaze and Simmer:
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Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Let simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Return Chicken to Skillet:
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Add the chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce.
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Let cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest, if desired.
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Serve hot — great on its own or over rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta.
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✅ Tips:
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Want it creamier? Stir in 2 tbsp of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
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Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for more veggies.
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Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.