Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor, you’ve got to try my lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet. This dish is everything you want for a busy weeknight dinner: it’s simple to whip up, bursting with zesty goodness, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine tender chicken breasts sizzling away in a buttery garlic sauce, paired with crisp green beans that soak up all that lemony goodness. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing! In just about 30 minutes, you can create a delightful meal that feels fancy but is totally easy. Let’s dive into the magic of this skillet dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet. I love how straightforward the ingredients are, making it a breeze for anyone to get started!
- 4 chicken breasts – boneless and skinless for easy cooking
- 2 cups green beans – fresh or trimmed frozen work great
- 4 tablespoons butter – unsalted is best to control the seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested – for that bright, zesty flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds a lovely color and a hint of smokiness
And that’s it! Simple, right? You’ll be amazed at how these ingredients come together for a vibrant and tasty dish. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet is super simple to prepare and the steps are so straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
First, take those beautiful chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. I like to make sure every inch is covered! This adds flavor right from the start, so don’t be shy. Just sprinkle it on both sides and pat it in gently. Perfect!
Step 2: Melting the Butter
Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, and make sure it doesn’t brown too much! You want it to be nice and bubbly, which means it’s ready for the next step. That rich butter flavor is going to be the base for your dish!
Step 3: Sautéing the Garlic
Once your butter is melted, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Oh wow, the smell is heavenly! Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make you so excited to dig in!
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken
Now, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. You want that nice crust to form! Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Adding Green Beans
Once your chicken is looking fabulous, toss in the green beans. Give them a good stir to mix everything up nicely. The beans will soak up all that buttery goodness while they cook alongside the chicken. It’s a match made in heaven!
Step 6: Pouring Lemon Juice and Zest
Now for the magic touch! Pour the lemon juice and zest over everything in the skillet. This step is crucial because it adds brightness and a zesty kick that balances the richness of the butter. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 7: Covering and Cooking
Finally, cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the green beans are tender. This steam helps everything meld together beautifully. Just be patient—it’s going to be worth it!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one serving of my lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet. Remember, these are just estimates, and the actual values may vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not just bursting with flavor but also packed with protein and low in carbs, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredible flavor – The combination of lemon, garlic, and buttery goodness will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Healthy ingredients – Packed with protein from the chicken and the nutrients of fresh green beans, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- One-pan meal – Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax after dinner!
- Easy to customize – Feel free to adjust the garlic or add extra veggies based on your preferences.
- Great for meal prep – Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To ensure your lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these small details can make a big difference!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and green beans make all the difference in flavor and texture. If you can, go for fresh green beans over frozen for that perfect crispness!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken won’t brown properly. If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking the chicken in two batches to get that lovely golden crust.
- Adjust seasoning: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels as you go. A little extra seasoning can elevate the dish!
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and tender!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs can really brighten up the dish!
- Keep an eye on cooking times: Chicken thickness can vary, so always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Aim for that 165°F (75°C) mark to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delicious lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to pair with your delicious lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet? I’ve got you covered! This dish is already a complete meal on its own, but if you want to elevate your dinner experience even more, here are some fantastic sides that complement the flavors perfectly.
- Fluffy Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up all that luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s simple and satisfying!
- Pasta: If you’re feeling a little fancy, serve it over a buttery spaghetti or fettuccine. Toss in some garlic and olive oil for added flavor!
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread. It’s great for mopping up that delicious sauce!
- Salad: A light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette would add a nice crunch and balance the richness of the chicken.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and beans.
- Quinoa: For a nutritious twist, serve it with fluffy quinoa. It’s packed with protein and adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
These sides not only create a complete meal but also enhance the overall dining experience. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your delicious lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet? Don’t worry—you can easily store them for later enjoyment! Here’s how to keep that amazing flavor intact and make reheating a breeze.
First, let the skillet cool down a bit before transferring any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. I usually portion out the chicken and green beans together, making it easy to grab for a quick meal later on!
In the refrigerator, your leftovers will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep them sealed tight to lock in all that buttery goodness.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For the best results, I recommend using the stovetop. Just place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little extra butter to keep things moist. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re in a real hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop your portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (to keep the moisture in), and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated to your liking. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
And there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to make sure your lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet tastes just as good the next day. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Magic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and flavorful lemon garlic butter chicken dish with green beans.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups green beans
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Add green beans to the skillet.
- Pour lemon juice and zest over chicken and green beans.
- Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through and green beans are tender.
Notes
- Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: lemon garlic butter chicken, green beans skillet, easy chicken recipe
