Some recipes have the remarkable ability to turn an ordinary weeknight into something warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. This Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans is one of those dishes. Ideal for busy evenings, cozy weekends at home, or even a casual family dinner, this recipe brings together brightness, richness, and simplicity in a single pan.

The inspiration for this dish comes from the timeless pairing of lemon, garlic, and butter—a combination that has been used for generations to elevate simple ingredients into memorable meals. Many families have their own version of a lemon chicken recipe, often passed down or recreated during seasonal gatherings. This skillet variation honors that familiarity while keeping the preparation effortless and modern. With fresh green beans cooked right in the same pan, you get a complete meal that feels wholesome, comforting, and deliciously fresh. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a full table, this skillet dinner makes mealtime feel special without demanding extra time or effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

There are plenty of chicken skillet recipes out there, but what makes this one stand out is its elegant simplicity and bright, bold flavor profile. Lemon garlic butter sauce naturally amplifies the tenderness of the chicken while coating the green beans in a savory, vibrant glaze. The dish tastes like something you would order at a restaurant yet requires minimal ingredients and a single pan.

You’ll love this recipe if you appreciate meals that are:

• Quick to prepare

• Full of clean, fresh flavors

• Family-friendly and versatile

• Made with everyday ingredients

• Easy to customize

• Perfect for meal prep

The combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender green beans, and a silky lemon garlic butter sauce brings a refreshing balance to your dinner routine. It feels nourishing and satisfying without being heavy, making it ideal for all seasons.

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Ingredients

Below are the exact measurements to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts)
  or 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

• Additional salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Beans

• 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of pepper

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How to Make the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

This recipe comes together smoothly with clear, straightforward steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you prepare the dish perfectly every time.

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This is an important step because dry chicken creates a better sear, locking in flavor and moisture.

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes so the spices can absorb into the meat.

This simple seasoning mix ensures the chicken develops a flavorful crust that pairs beautifully with the zesty sauce later in the recipe.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet—preferably cast iron or stainless steel—heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble slightly, add the chicken in a single layer.

Sear each side for 5–6 minutes (breasts) or 4–5 minutes (thighs) until golden brown. The chicken should develop a beautiful crust but does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

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Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic browns quickly, so be careful not to overcook it.

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add tremendous flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1–2 minutes until it begins to slightly thicken.

The aroma of the lemon and garlic at this point is irresistible and sets the foundation for the entire dish.

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Step 4: Add the Green Beans

Place the trimmed green beans directly into the simmering sauce. Sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat them in the lemon garlic butter mixture.

Cover the skillet and let the green beans cook for 5–6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. They should be bright green and crisp-tender.

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Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Nestle the seared chicken breasts or thighs back into the skillet, placing them between the green beans. Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece.

Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

As the chicken finishes cooking, it absorbs the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender, juicy, and perfectly infused with lemon and garlic.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is fully cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve straight from the skillet over rice, pasta, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or simply enjoy it as a low-carb, complete one-pan meal.

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Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Even simple recipes can become extraordinary when you follow the right techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results each time:

1. Don’t Skip the Sear

Searing locks in moisture and builds flavor. A golden crust makes the chicken far more delicious and visually appealing.

2. Use Fresh Lemon

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide brightness that bottled lemon juice simply cannot replicate.

3. Don’t Overcook the Garlic

Garlic burns in seconds and becomes bitter. Sauté lightly and add liquids quickly.

4. Choose the Right Skillet

A wide, heavy skillet ensures even heat distribution and prevents overcrowding.

5. Trim the Green Beans Evenly

Uniform size ensures even cooking and helps them stay crisp-tender instead of mushy.

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Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet pairs well with many sides. Although it is a complete meal on its own, adding a complementary dish can stretch the meal or make it more substantial.

Try serving it with:

• Fluffy white rice

• Brown rice or wild rice

• Mashed potatoes

• Roasted potatoes

• Quinoa

• Couscous

• Creamy polenta

• Garlic bread

• A simple garden salad

Each option absorbs the lemon butter sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

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Variations and Customizations

One reason this dish is so popular is its incredible flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, the season, or what you already have in the kitchen.

1. Swap the Protein

Instead of chicken, you can use:

• Turkey cutlets

• Chicken tenderloins

• White fish fillets (adjust cooking time)

2. Change the Vegetables

Green beans work beautifully, but you can substitute or add:

• Asparagus

• Broccoli florets

• Zucchini slices

• Spinach

• Cherry tomatoes

3. Make It Creamy

Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a silky finish (optional).

4. Add More Herbs

Fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary complement lemon and garlic beautifully.

5. Boost the Spice

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for mild heat.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish is excellent for meal prep because the flavors deepen over time.

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop on low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing

Freeze chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Green beans may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often result in an even juicier, more flavorful dish due to their higher natural moisture content. Boneless, skinless thighs cook quickly and absorb the lemon garlic butter sauce just as well as chicken breasts. You may notice that thighs typically take slightly less time to cook because they are thinner, but they remain tender even if cooked a bit longer. If you prefer using bone-in thighs, you can still make this recipe, but the cooking time will increase by a few minutes. No matter which cut you choose, the key is ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

2. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans are a convenient alternative and can be used successfully. Fresh green beans provide the best crisp-tender texture, but frozen ones will still work well if that’s what you have on hand. When using frozen green beans, add them directly to the skillet without thawing. They will release a bit of extra moisture as they cook, so you may want to simmer the sauce for an extra minute or two to allow it to thicken back up. The flavor remains delicious, and the lemon garlic butter sauce coats frozen green beans just as nicely as fresh.

3. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Garlic cooks very quickly and can burn in seconds if the heat is too high. To prevent this, reduce the heat right before adding the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it briefly—usually no more than 20 to 30 seconds—until it becomes fragrant. Immediately add the chicken broth and lemon juice to stop the garlic from browning further. Burnt garlic becomes bitter and can affect the entire flavor of the sauce, so keeping the heat controlled is essential for achieving that rich, smooth lemon garlic butter flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep. The chicken stays tender, and the flavors become even more pronounced as it sits. Store the chicken and green beans together in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. When reheating, warm the dish gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep everything moist. This makes it a perfect option for preparing healthy, flavorful meals in advance.

Final Thoughts

Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a meal that feels fresh, vibrant, and comforting. With bright citrus notes, savory garlic, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables, this dish brings balance and satisfaction to any day of the week.

Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner after work, feeding a hungry family, or making meals ahead for the week, this recipe consistently delivers big flavor with minimal effort. One pan, wholesome ingredients, and a timeless flavor combination—this skillet meal is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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