Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Imagine a dish that welcomes you home with the warmth of lemon, the richness of butter, and the bright crunch of fresh green beans. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy. Within less than 30 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece that’s aromatic and indulgent, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests. This dish balances decadence and freshness while bursting with flavors that will transport you to a sun-soaked afternoon with every bite.

Do you remember a moment in your childhood when simple ingredients came together to create something magical?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a fabulous recipe for multiple reasons.

• Easy Prep: With minimal prep time, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for takeout.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with lean protein from the chicken thighs and bright greens from the green beans, you can indulge without the guilt.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that speaks to everyone’s taste buds and is sure to impress your guests.
• Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list to create this dish, making it practical for those busy days.

Ingredients

This dish is simple yet sophisticated, relying on a handful of ingredients that pack a flavor punch:

• 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless: Tender and juicy, these thighs are the stars of our skillet!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all flavors.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Nutty and aromatic, perfect for browning your chicken.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Creamy decadence that makes the sauce divine.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fragrant and delightful, infusing every bite with its aromatic touch.
• 1 lemon, juiced and zest grated: Bright and zesty, providing that refreshing zing.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme: Earthy herbal tones that elevate the dish.
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed: Crisp and vibrant, adding a beautiful burst of color and nutrition.
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Flecks of green that brighten the plate.
• Lemon slices for serving (optional): A little extra zing for those who crave the tartness.

Timing

This delightful chicken dish can be enjoyed in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a fast and indulgent weeknight dinner. The beauty lies in its ability to feel luxurious without the long wait. In just a handful of steps, the harmony of flavors comes together, making it feel like a celebration on your plate.

Step-by-Step

Let’s transform those fresh ingredients into a scrumptious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet!

1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This foundational step ensures your chicken is flavorful.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, the aroma will start to envelop your kitchen. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and thyme. The citrusy fragrance will brighten the air around you, making your mouth water. Mix well to combine.

5. Toss in the green beans, coating them generously in the luscious lemon garlic butter mixture. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they are tender and bright green, still maintaining their crispness.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices on the side for that extra zing if desired.

Nutritional Information

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Each serving has around 320 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. While it’s packed with protein and vibrant veggies, feel free to enjoy an occasional sweet treat afterwards. Life is about balance, after all!

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking for alternatives, consider substituting:

• Olive oil with avocado oil: if you’re looking for a higher smoke point while cooking.
• Butter for vegan butter or olive oil: for a dairy-free option.
• Chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts: for a leaner protein.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with:

• A light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
• A side of quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious buttery sauce.
• And if you’re feeling cheeky, a scoop of your favorite ice cream for dessert afterward to contrast the savory flavors.

Common Mistakes

• Overbaking the chicken: Ensure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.
• Texture issues with the green beans: Cook just enough to maintain a vibrant color and crunch; nobody wants mushy veggies!
• Messes in the skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to prevent any sticking issues and make cleanup easier.

Storing Tips

Any leftovers? Here’s how to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To freeze portions, let everything cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• For reheating, a quick toss in the skillet over low heat or the microwave will do the trick, ensuring your chicken and beans regain their warmth.

Conclusion

You’ll want to savor every bite of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience filled with layers of flavor that’s easy to whip up on a weeknight or special occasion. Trust me—once you make it a part of your culinary repertoire, you’ll find yourself coming back time and time again for that bright, buttery bite!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

   • Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even doneness.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

   • While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and green beans ahead of time and quickly sauté before serving.

3. What can I substitute for green beans?

   • You could use asparagus or broccoli as great alternatives.

4. Is it gluten-free?

   • Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free!

5. What should I serve this dish with?

   • It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, or grains like rice or quinoa.

Embrace the journey through flavors with this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet—you won’t regret it! Enjoy!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

A comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs, fresh green beans, and a heavenly lemon garlic butter sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless and skinless chicken thighs Tender and juicy, these thighs are the stars of our skillet!
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed Crisp and vibrant, adding color and nutrition.

Flavor Enhancers

• 2 tablespoons olive oil Nutty and aromatic, perfect for browning your chicken.
• 4 tablespoons butter Creamy decadence that makes the sauce divine.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Fragrant and delightful, infusing every bite.
• 1 piece lemon, juiced and zest grated Bright and zesty, providing that refreshing zing.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme Earthy herbal tones that elevate the dish.
• salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper Essential for enhancing all flavors.

Garnish and Serving Suggestions

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Flecks of green that brighten the plate.
• 2 slices lemon, for serving (optional) A little extra zing for those who crave tartness.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cooking Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken thighs.
2. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and thyme. Mix well to combine.

Cooking Green Beans

1. Toss in the green beans, coating them generously in the lemon garlic butter mixture.
2. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they are tender and bright green, still maintaining their crispness.

Final Assembly

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices on the side if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.