Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans

This is the kind of dinner that makes you sigh with happiness after the first bite. Juicy golden chicken, crisp-tender green beans, and that luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that’s good enough to drink. All cooked in one pan, in less than 25 minutes.

If you’re craving something easy, cozy, and fresh all at once, this lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans is exactly what your weeknight needs.

🕒 Quick Summary (for hungry skimmers)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

• Serves: 3–4

• Method: One-pan stovetop

• Flavor: Garlicky, buttery, lemony, fresh, slightly rich but bright

Why you’ll love it:
✅ One skillet cleanup
✅ Juicy chicken + crisp veggies
✅ Fresh lemon garlic flavor
✅ Great for meal prep and family dinners

🍋 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is one of those meals that looks fancy but is secretly ridiculously simple. Everything cooks in one skillet, no oven, no fancy tools, no stress.

The magic is in the lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s buttery but light, garlicky but not overpowering, and the lemon ties everything together so the flavors sing.

You get golden, seared chicken, coated in that sauce, with perfectly sautéed green beans soaking it all up on the side. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness.

And yes, you’ll want crusty bread to mop up every drop of that sauce.

🛒 Ingredients (with helpful notes)

Chicken

• Chicken breasts – 2 large (cut into cutlets or strips)
  Slice them horizontally to make thinner fillets so they cook quickly and stay juicy.
  💡 Tip: You can use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. They’re almost impossible to overcook.

Green Beans – 12 oz / 340 g

• Fresh green beans are best for texture. Trim the ends before cooking.

• Frozen works too — just thaw and pat dry so they don’t steam too much in the pan.

Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

• Don’t skimp! Garlic is the flavor backbone of this recipe.

Butter – 3 tablespoons

• Adds richness and flavor. Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness.

Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon

• Helps the butter cook without burning.

Lemon – 1 large (zest and juice)

• You’ll use both zest and juice. The zest gives fragrance, the juice adds brightness.

Chicken broth – ¼ cup

• Helps form the base of the sauce and keeps everything moist. You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch.

Salt and Pepper – to taste

• Don’t forget to season both the chicken and the sauce.

Optional Add-Ins

• Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)

• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

• A pinch of smoked paprika (for color and depth)

🍗 How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans

This dish is all about timing and layering flavors.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it brown better).
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

💡 Optional: Dredge lightly in flour if you want a slightly golden crust that helps the sauce cling.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Green Beans

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it!), add another tablespoon of butter.

Toss in the green beans and cook for 3 – 4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

If the pan gets too dry, splash in a tablespoon of water to help them steam.

Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant (don’t burn it!).

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan, that’s pure flavor gold.

Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken and green beans to the pan. Toss gently to coat everything in that luscious sauce.

Simmer together for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.

💡 Pro Tip: If you like a touch of creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream or a dollop of butter right before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken and green beans with a spoonful of sauce drizzled over the top.

Garnish with fresh parsley, extra lemon zest, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Enjoy immediately,  this dish shines when hot off the stove!

🥗 What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans

This meal can totally stand on its own, but if you want to make it feel a little more complete, here are some great pairings:

Starches:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Rice pilaf or jasmine rice

• Buttered noodles or orzo

• Quinoa for a healthy touch

Bread:

• Crusty French bread or garlic bread (for soaking up the sauce, obviously)

Light sides:

• Cucumber salad with yogurt dressing

• Tomato avocado salad

• Simple arugula salad with balsamic

Bonus: It also tastes amazing over pasta, think of it like a buttery lemon garlic chicken pasta bowl.

🧂 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Thin is in. Thin chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each piece space to get golden.

• Balance the lemon. Add the juice gradually and taste, you can always add more.

• Use fresh garlic and lemon. Bottled or powdered just doesn’t compare here.

• Deglaze the pan. All those browned bits are flavor bombs waiting to join your sauce.

🔄 Variations You’ll Love

Creamy Version

Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half at the end for a creamy lemon garlic sauce.

Parmesan Lover’s Twist

Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan when you toss everything together, melts beautifully into the sauce.

Extra Veggie Option

Toss in cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or zucchini ribbons in the last minute of cooking for color and extra nutrition.

Spicy Kick

Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter for a subtle heat.

🧡 Why You’ll Make This Again (and Again)

It’s fast. It’s fresh. It’s full of flavor.
This lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans is the kind of meal you can throw together after work but still feel proud serving.

Every bite is a perfect combo of tender chicken, buttery sauce, and lemon brightness. It’s cozy enough for winter but light enough for summer.

And honestly? The sauce alone is worth it. (I may have “accidentally” eaten a spoonful or two straight from the pan.)

💬 Your Turn!

If you make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans, let me know how it went in the comments!
What did you serve it with? Did you add chili flakes or Parmesan? I’d love to hear your twist.

And if you’re saving this for later (you should!), pin it on Pinterest so it’s ready for your next weeknight dinner.

Happy cooking, and may your lemon butter always be plentiful 💛

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