Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a perfect choice. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with crisp green beans, all cooked in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce. The addition of fresh lemon adds a burst of citrusy freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and garlic, making this skillet meal a delicious option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
This recipe is not only simple but also packed with flavor and nutrients. The green beans provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the chicken breast gives you a lean protein that’s perfect for a well-balanced meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor!
History of the Dish
While this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet isn’t rooted in any particular culinary tradition, it draws inspiration from popular Mediterranean flavors, where garlic, lemon, and olive oil are staples in many dishes. The concept of cooking everything in one pan is widely loved for its convenience and flavor retention, which is especially important when it comes to creating a satisfying meal without much fuss. This style of cooking has become increasingly popular in home kitchens due to its simplicity and ability to deliver complex flavors in a short amount of time.
Health Benefits
- Chicken Breast – A great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues and supporting muscle health.
- Green Beans – Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which helps with immune support, skin health, and digestion.
- Lemon – High in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon helps boost your immune system, improve skin health, and aids in digestion.
- Garlic – Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, garlic also helps lower cholesterol levels and may support heart health.
- Butter – While butter adds richness to the dish, using it in moderation provides healthy fats that can help improve nutrient absorption and support brain health.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil Crack Chicken Tenders
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the green beans.
- Sauté the green beans for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender but still have a slight crispness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the green beans from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and stir, scraping up any bits of chicken or green beans left on the bottom of the skillet to incorporate those flavors into the sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Green Beans
- Return the chicken breasts and green beans to the skillet, nestling them in the buttery sauce.
- Allow the chicken and green beans to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld together and the chicken heats through again.
Step 5: Serve
- Once everything is heated through, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve the dish immediately, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and green beans.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken and green beans over a bed of steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- With Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the dish with some cooked pasta, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.
- As a Salad: For a lighter meal, you can serve the chicken and green beans over a bed of mixed greens or arugula, topped with a simple vinaigrette.
- With Bread: A slice of crusty bread would be perfect for sopping up the garlic butter sauce!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
(Serves 4)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Cooking Tip: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This will help them cook more quickly and uniformly.
- Green Bean Variation: If you prefer your green beans softer, you can cover the skillet with a lid while cooking them to steam them to your preferred tenderness.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce if you enjoy a little heat.
- Save Time: For a quicker version, you can use pre-trimmed green beans or even frozen green beans.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the perfect blend of flavors – tangy lemon, savory garlic, and rich butter – that come together in a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping a weeknight dinner, or making a special meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Simple, healthy, and delicious, it’s a weeknight dinner dream! Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken