Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

When your dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and feel like comfort in a skillet, the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is exactly what you need. This one-pan wonder brings together juicy seared chicken, crisp green beans, and a bright, buttery garlic lemon sauce that coats every bite in savory goodness. From prep to plate in just 30 minutes, the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is ideal for weeknights and fancy enough for guests. Plus, there’s only one pan to wash.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

There’s so much to love about this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet. First, it’s made with everyday ingredients but feels like a gourmet dish. The chicken is juicy and infused with zesty lemon and garlic, while the green beans bring freshness and crunch. This meal is gluten-free, naturally low carb, and endlessly versatile.

It’s the kind of skillet dinner that gives the satisfaction of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes without the heaviness, and it’s even quicker to prepare than Easy One-Pan Turmeric Chicken Rice.

Pure Comfort in a Skillet of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Every bite of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is warm and soothing. The butter coats the chicken with richness, while the lemon gives it a sharp, bright lift. Garlic fills your kitchen with an aroma that pulls everyone to the table. When life feels rushed or the weather gets cold, this dish is your answer to real comfort quickly.

Much like our cozy Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones, this skillet brings cozy flavors without the heavy prep or cleanup.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

What You Need to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron preferred)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Citrus juicer or grater for lemon zest

If you’ve ever followed our guide on Mastering the Cooking Time for Thin Sliced Chicken Breast, you’ll know that great tools make better meals.

Time to Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Fast enough for a weeknight. Elegant enough for a Sunday dinner.

Steps to Make It

1. Slice and Season the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thinner pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Green Beans

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and green beans. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Add Lemon and Butter

Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything to coat the green beans in the sauce.

5. Return Chicken and Finish

Place the chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is hot and flavors are melded. Garnish with parsley before serving.

If you enjoy zesty combinations like in Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad, you’ll love how this dish pops with flavor.

Make It Perfect

• Always use fresh lemon juice, bottled won’t give the same vibrancy.
• Don’t overcook the garlic, 30 seconds is enough before it burns.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Cut beans evenly for uniform texture.

Mastering these tips will give your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet a restaurant-quality finish.

Mix It Up

Customize your skillet dinner with any of the following:

• Swap green beans for broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini
• Add cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness
• Stir in baby spinach at the end for a nutrient boost
• Use boneless thighs for a juicier alternative
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth

This skillet is as adaptable as our Spicy Honey Chicken, a little tweak makes a big difference.

Perfect Partners for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Fluffy mashed potatoes
• Lemon herb couscous
• Creamy orzo pasta
• Quinoa with herbs
• Crusty artisan bread

Or serve with something green and light like a Grilled Chicken Salad to keep it balanced.

Busy Day Hero

The Lemon Garlic and Green Beans Skillet is your answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you’re short on time. There’s no marinating, no prepping hours ahead. You’ll have a hot, satisfying meal faster than delivery could ever promise.

Work Ahead

• Trim green beans up to 2 days early
• Pre-slice and season chicken the night before
• Make lemon garlic butter and refrigerate it for later use

Batch-prepping like this turns Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet into your new go-to.

Save Some For Later

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store chicken and beans together in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture and keep everything tasting fresh.

Everyone’s Happy with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish checks every box. It’s flavorful, wholesome, and simple. Kids love the buttery chicken, while grown-ups appreciate the brightness from lemon and herbs. Whether it’s Tuesday night or a dinner party, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet makes everyone smile.

Good For You Too

With lean protein and vegetables, this dish is naturally nutritious. Green beans offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Chicken brings protein without excess fat. Skip heavy sides and serve it with a fresh green salad to keep it light.

Easy Clean Up

One skillet. One cutting board. One knife. That’s it. When dinner tastes this good and cleanup takes five minutes, it’s hard to say no to Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet.

Switch It Up

Try these variations to keep it fresh:

• Add capers and olives for a Mediterranean twist
• Replace lemon with lime and add chili flakes for a bolder flavor
• Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for seafood lovers
• Make it creamy with a splash of heavy cream stirred into the sauce

This is one of those meals like Crockpot Chicken and Dressing that becomes a canvas for your cravings.

Simply Perfect

With its golden seared chicken, vibrant green beans, and a buttery lemon garlic sauce, the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet proves that great meals don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients. It’s proof that a few quality elements, treated with care, can make magic on a plate.

FAQs for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, just thaw and dry them thoroughly before cooking.

2. What’s the best pan to use?

A cast iron or stainless steel skillet works best for searing.

3. Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic gives better flavor.

4. Is this dish keto-friendly?

Absolutely it’s low in carbs and high in protein and fiber.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but sear the chicken in batches to keep it crisp.

6. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it, and always let it rest before slicing.

Conclusion

The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a one-pan miracle that delivers on every front: flavor, ease, nutrition, and joy. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish will quickly become a household favorite. It brings everyone to the table and keeps them asking for more.

Looking for more weeknight winners? Pair this with our Mastering the Cooking Time for Thin Sliced Chicken Breast or explore new flavor profiles in our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipes.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful one-skillet Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans recipe with juicy chicken breasts, fresh green beans, garlic, and zesty lemon butter sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and green beans.
Cook green beans for 5–6 minutes until slightly tender.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and avoid overcooking the garlic. Swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli if desired. Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch or Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, garlic butter chicken skillet, lemon chicken with green beans, one-pan chicken dinner