Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
If you’re looking for a delicious and simple weeknight dinner that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and tender chicken, then this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is exactly what you need. Packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for busy days when you want something easy yet satisfying. The golden-brown chicken thighs pair wonderfully with crisp green beans in a buttery lemon sauce, creating a dish that’s both savory and fresh.
In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make this dish, along with some helpful tips and substitutions to make it your own.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe because they are juicy and flavorful, but you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a crisp texture and color to the dish, but you can use frozen green beans as well.
- Butter: Essential for the rich and creamy sauce that ties the dish together.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a pungent, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Lemon: The zest and juice of lemon create a zesty contrast to the richness of the butter.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add layers of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will ensure the skin crisps up nicely when cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs (I like to use thyme and rosemary for extra flavor).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Green Beans
In the same skillet, add the green beans and sauté them in the leftover butter and chicken juices for about 5-6 minutes until tender yet still crisp. If the skillet gets too dry, add a bit more butter or olive oil.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, then stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Green Beans
Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet with the green beans and lemon garlic butter sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the chicken to reheat and absorb some of the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the lemon garlic butter sauce, your dish is ready to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon slices if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dish with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A side of crusty bread can also be a great option to dip into the extra sauce.
- For a complete meal, you can serve this with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: They add more flavor and are less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust the Lemon: If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or even a bit of lemon rind while cooking.
- Sauté the Green Beans: If you like your green beans extra tender, you can blanch them first in boiling water before adding them to the skillet.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can! However, chicken breasts may dry out more quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. You might need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Q: Can I substitute the green beans with another vegetable?
A: Absolutely! Asparagus, broccoli, or even zucchini would be great substitutes if you want a different flavor or texture.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and green beans in advance and reheat them with the lemon garlic butter sauce when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
It’s always a good idea to know the nutritional value of the meals you’re preparing, especially if you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Variation Ideas
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can make simple adjustments to cater to different preferences or dietary needs:
For a Spicy Kick
If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the garlic. This will give the dish a delightful heat that pairs wonderfully with the lemony freshness.
Low-Carb Option
To make this a more keto-friendly meal, skip the potatoes and opt for cauliflower rice instead. The green beans and chicken are already a perfect low-carb combination.
Add a Creamy Twist
For a richer sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the butter sauce. This will turn it into a creamy lemon garlic butter sauce that complements the chicken and green beans even more.
Vegetarian Version
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press and season the tofu well to ensure it absorbs the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Storage and Leftovers
This dish can be easily stored if you have leftovers. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Place the chicken and green beans in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a bit of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Freezing: While freezing the dish is possible, the texture of the green beans might change when thawed. However, the chicken and sauce will freeze well for up to 1 month.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the crispy, golden chicken thighs to the perfectly tender green beans soaked in a lemon garlic butter sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor. The recipe is quick, easy, and highly customizable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Whether you’re serving it for your family, impressing friends at a dinner party, or preparing a delicious meal just for yourself, this dish will never disappoint. Try it out and discover why it’s become a staple in my kitchen!