Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan recipe combining tender chicken thighs and crisp green beans in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce. It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights when time is limited but you still crave something wholesome and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal for easy cleanup
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Juicy, flavorful chicken with a zesty garlic butter sauce
• Low-carb and keto-friendly
• Pairs well with a variety of sides or stands alone as a complete meal
• Simple ingredients, minimal prep
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Perfect balance of richness and freshness
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Fresh green beans, trimmed
• Butter (divided)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon (plus lemon slices for garnish)
• Chicken stock
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley

Directions

1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the green beans: Microwave green beans with ½ cup water for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic, hot sauce, chili flakes, and parsley. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Simmer with lemon and stock: Add lemon juice and chicken stock to the pan, stir in green beans, and simmer until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Return the chicken: Place chicken back in the skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tenders
• Use haricot verts or asparagus instead of green beans
• Add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition
• Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme
• Make it dairy-free by using olive oil instead of butter

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to loosen the sauce

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can also be used with adjusted cooking time.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the skillet.

How spicy is the dish with hot sauce and red pepper flakes?

It has a mild kick. Adjust or omit the hot sauce and chili flakes to suit your spice preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, perfect for a keto diet.

What can I serve with this dish?

Try cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

What’s a good substitute for lemon juice?

You can use a splash of vinegar (white wine or apple cider) or a bit of lime juice.

Can I use ghee or oil instead of butter?

Yes, ghee or a light-tasting oil like avocado or olive oil works well.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The juices will run clear when pierced.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet is an excellent choice for a flavorful, healthy meal with minimal effort. Its rich yet fresh taste profile, paired with the ease of one-pan cooking, makes it a staple weeknight dinner. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a quick, hearty meal, this dish delivers on all fronts.

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