The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the sort of one-pan wonder that makes you want to text your best friend about dinner before you’ve even finished eating. Juicy seasoned chicken thighs, just-tender green beans, and a zippy lemon garlic butter sauce come together all in one skillet for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s vibrant, it’s incredibly comforting, and it’s the secret to feeling like a kitchen hero any night of the week.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so joyful about this recipe is how the simplest ingredients shine with a little care and attention. Each one brings something essential—whether it’s flavor, texture, or a sprinkle of color. Let’s dive into the lineup that makes Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet so craveable.

Chicken thighs (4-5, boneless and skinless): Opt for chicken thighs for super juicy results; they soak up flavor like a dream and stay incredibly tender.
Fresh green beans (12 ounces): The beans bring a satisfying crunch and vibrant color, plus they hold up perfectly in a skillet.
Chicken broth (½ cup, divided): Adds moisture and depth—you’ll use it both for steaming beans and creating that luscious sauce.
Salt (1-1/4 teaspoons, divided): Essential for brightening every component—season the layers as you go!
Pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough to add warmth and highlight the savory notes.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): This sneaky staple gives the seasoning blend an extra punch.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smoky backbone that brings depth to the chicken.
Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tablespoons): Either oil will help the chicken get beautifully golden and deliciously crisp.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons, about 4 cloves): Fresh garlic is key here—don’t skimp, it’s the heart and soul of the sauce.
Lemon (1, juiced): Bright, tangy lemon wakes up the whole skillet for a dinner that tastes like sunshine.
Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Add as much or as little as you like for a gentle kick that won’t overwhelm.
Butter (3 tablespoons): Swirl it in at the end for that ultimate glossy, rich finish.
Garnishes—fresh parsley, dill, lemon slices, extra red pepper flakes: Each optional, but they add a fresh, aromatic touch and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Step 1: Steam the Green Beans

Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium. Pour in ¼ cup of the chicken broth and toss in the green beans. Cover and let them steam for about 5 minutes—this keeps them bright green and crisp-tender. Uncover, then cook for another 2–3 minutes until the liquid has evaporated, so you don’t water down the rest of your flavors. Transfer the beans out and set them aside.

Step 2: Mix up the Seasoning

While the beans do their thing, grab a small dish and combine 1 teaspoon salt, the pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mix is what gives the chicken in your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet its unbeatable flavor.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for a good sear! Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously on both sides of each thigh, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add your oil. When it glistens, lay in the chicken thighs flat (don’t crowd the pan!). Sear for 5–7 minutes on each side; you want them golden brown and cooked through. Once they’re done, transfer them to the plate with the green beans.

Step 5: Deglaze the Skillet

Turn the heat down to medium. Right away, pour in the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up every last caramelized bit stuck to the pan—this is where tons of flavor for your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet gets built.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Let this bubble and reduce over low heat until the sauce is thickened and super fragrant—about half the liquid should vanish. Whisk in the butter and let it melt for a minute or two to bring it all together.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add both the chicken and green beans back to your skillet. Spoon that rich, aromatic sauce all over and let everything heat through for another 2–3 minutes. Make sure every bite is glistening with that zesty, buttery goodness!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a flourish: lemon slices, a shower of fresh parsley or dill, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love extra heat. Gather everyone around, because your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate what a handful of chopped fresh herbs can do for this dish! Parsley and dill add brightness and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. Lemon slices not only look beautiful but add a little extra zip. For those who like to turn up the heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes right before serving does the trick.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is practically a complete meal on its own, but it loves company. Serve it over a fluffy bed of basmati rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple garlic orzo. Crusty bread is a must for sopping up that luscious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving the chicken and green beans family-style right in the skillet—rustic and inviting. Or, plate each chicken thigh atop a tangle of green beans and drizzle the sauce generously over each portion. For a lighter meal, slice the chicken and tuck it into pita with the beans, a bit of yogurt, and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet will keep beautifully in the fridge. Once cooled, transfer everything to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The sauce stays silky and the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers an absolute treat.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your leftovers, do so before adding garnishes for the best results. Store in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, green beans may lose a little of their snap, but the overall flavor will stay delicious!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened up. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover loosely to keep the steam in and avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs give a juicier, richer result, you can use chicken breasts if that’s your preference. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out more quickly.

What’s the best way to trim green beans?

Simply snap or trim off the stem ends of the green beans before cooking. There’s no need to cut them into small pieces unless you prefer it, as whole beans look especially beautiful in this skillet dinner.

Is there a good substitute for smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular sweet paprika or even a pinch of chipotle powder for some smokiness. Each will keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet vibrant and flavorful!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to ensure a fabulous sear. As long as the pan isn’t overcrowded, you’ll have plenty of sauce and vegetables for everyone.

How spicy is this dish?

With half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, you get a gentle, warming kick that isn’t overwhelming. If you or your family prefer things very mild, start with less and add more to taste when serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, vibrant, and completely stress-free, make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet your go-to. It’s endlessly adaptable, guaranteed to brighten the table, and delicious enough that you might just make it two nights in a row!