This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a flavorful and convenient one-pan meal. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked alongside crisp green beans in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delicious combination of protein and vegetables with minimal cleanup.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3–6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for paleo diet)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices for garnish
• 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley

Directions

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the chicken thighs generously with the seasoning mixture. Set aside.
4. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup (125ml) water and microwave for 8–10 minutes until almost done but still crisp.
5. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
6. Place the seasoned chicken thighs top side down in the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Adjust heat if the chicken browns too quickly. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, crushed red chili pepper flakes (if using), and the pre-cooked green beans. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the green beans are cooked to your liking.
8. Add the lemon juice and chicken stock to the skillet, and cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
9. Push the green beans to the side and return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Reheat quickly and adjust seasoning with additional pepper if needed.
10. Serve warm, garnished with more crushed chili pepper, fresh parsley, and lemon slices if desired.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: Approximately 400–500 calories per serving
• Protein: 30–35g per serving
• Fat: 25–30g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 10–15g per serving
• Fiber: 3–4g per serving
• Sugars: 3–5g per serving
• Sodium: 500–700mg per serving
• Cholesterol: 90–110mg per serving

A Versatile and Easy-to-Make Dish

This recipe is designed to be simple, with minimal ingredients and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is easy to prepare. The chicken thighs provide rich flavor and juiciness, while the green beans add a satisfying crunch. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together with a burst of lemony goodness, enhancing the natural flavors of both the chicken and vegetables.

Why Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are often preferred over chicken breasts in dishes like this for several reasons. First, chicken thighs are much more flavorful, thanks to their higher fat content. The meat remains tender and juicy even when cooked for a longer time, making them a great choice for a skillet dish where the chicken is cooked in the same pan as the other ingredients. Additionally, chicken thighs are usually more affordable than chicken breasts, making them a budget-friendly option without sacrificing taste or texture.

Another benefit of using chicken thighs is their versatility. They can be easily seasoned with a variety of spices, and the rich flavor of the thighs pairs perfectly with bold ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon. Whether you’re making a savory dinner or a hearty stew, chicken thighs are a versatile protein that can be used in countless recipes.

The Health Benefits of This Dish

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Chicken thighs, despite their higher fat content, are an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it plays a crucial role in immune function. Protein also helps in the production of enzymes and hormones, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Green beans, the star vegetable in this recipe, are loaded with essential nutrients. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for maintaining healthy vision, boosting the immune system, and supporting bone health. Green beans are also a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps in regulating blood sugar levels. Moreover, they are low in calories, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.

The garlic butter sauce, while rich in flavor, can be made lighter by adjusting the butter quantity or substituting it with ghee or olive oil. Garlic is known for its numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and adds a punch of flavor to this dish without the need for excess salt or sugar.

Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is how customizable it is. While the recipe calls for chicken thighs and green beans, you can easily swap these ingredients for others based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

For instance, you could use other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini if you prefer. Each of these vegetables will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish, and they all pair wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you could swap the butter for olive oil or avocado oil. Both oils are rich in healthy fats and can provide a lighter version of the sauce without compromising on flavor. For those following a dairy-free or paleo diet, ghee is an excellent option that adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.

For added flavor, you can experiment with different herbs and spices. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can be used in place of parsley, and a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes can bring a subtle smokiness or heat to the dish. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste and dietary needs.

The Perfect Pairings

While this dish is a meal in itself, you can serve it with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying dinner. If you’re looking to keep it low-carb, consider pairing it with a simple side salad made of leafy greens like spinach or arugula. The fresh, crisp textures of the greens will complement the richness of the chicken and green beans.

For a heartier meal, you can serve it alongside roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower. Both options will provide a satisfying base to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. If you prefer a more substantial meal, consider adding quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and protein.

A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the lemon and garlic. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon will provide a nice balance to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Why Choose One-Pan Meals?

One-pan meals, like this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet, are incredibly convenient and time-saving. Not only do they make cleanup a breeze, but they also allow all the ingredients to cook together, enhancing the flavors as they meld in the pan. This method of cooking is ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or washing multiple pots and pans.

Additionally, one-pan meals are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch of this dish and store the leftovers for lunch the next day. The chicken and green beans will continue to absorb the flavors of the garlic butter sauce, making them even more flavorful when reheated. This recipe is also freezer-friendly, so you can prepare it in advance and store it for future use.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. The tender chicken thighs, crisp green beans, and zesty lemon garlic butter sauce come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, this dish is sure to impress.

Its versatility allows you to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it easy to adapt to your tastes. Plus, it’s a well-balanced meal that provides protein, healthy fats, and a generous serving of vegetables, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthy without compromising on taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a fantastic recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and nutritious. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, tangy sauce is sure to become a family favorite.