Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet: Your One-Pan Dinner Solution
Imagine the enticing aroma of garlic butter sauce, a hint of zesty lemon, and tender chicken thighs perfectly seared to golden-brown perfection. Combined with vibrant, crisp-tender green beans, this one-skillet wonder isn’t just a meal; it’s a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish promises to deliver on flavor and ease. Minimal cleanup, maximum taste, and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen make it the perfect go-to recipe.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a juicy, protein-packed foundation.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve that beautiful sear on the chicken, locking in juices.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a deep, savory aroma and flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthy, herbaceous notes, complementing the lemon.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle floral undertone, elevating the overall flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken a warm, smoky kick while adding color.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The zest provides an intense citrusy aroma, while the juice balances the richness of the butter.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the luxurious sauce that ties all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of freshness and color for garnish.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Massage the seasonings into the chicken for even flavor distribution.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add Lemon Zest and Juice
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Cook the Green Beans
Toss the green beans into the skillet, ensuring they’re coated in the sauce. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
One-pan convenience means fewer dishes to clean.
The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
Perfectly cooked chicken breasts stay juicy and tender.
Crisp, fresh green beans balance the richness of the sauce.
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Pro Tips for Perfection
1. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a proper sear.
2. Use fresh lemon: Bottled juice doesn’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
3. Blanch the green beans: For an even brighter green and softer texture, blanch them before adding to the skillet.
4. Temperature matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes, a warm crusty French baguette, or a light Caesar salad for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a foolproof, flavor-packed recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for busy cooks, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a household favorite. Make it tonight and experience how simple ingredients can create a gourmet meal.
Share this recipe with friends and family, and bookmark it for those nights when you crave something comforting yet effortless. Simplicity never tasted so good!
