Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Shockingly Easy 40-Minute Meal

Ugh, weeknights, right? By the time I’m home from work, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But I also don’t want to eat boring, tasteless food! That’s where my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe comes in – seriously, this one-pan wonder is a lifesaver. I stumbled upon it when I was desperately trying to use up some chicken and green beans, and wow, it’s now a regular in our rotation. Trust me, it’s ridiculously easy and tastes amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Okay, so why *should* you make this? Let me tell you, it’s not just tasty; it’s a total game-changer. Think of it this way:

• Super easy – even on those nights when you’re *this* close to ordering takeout.
• Ready in under 40 minutes – seriously, from fridge to table that fast!
• Insanely flavorful – that lemon garlic butter sauce? OMG!
• Relatively healthy – packed with protein and veggies. Win-win!

Quick Clean-Up

The best part? One pan! I HATE doing dishes, and this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe keeps the mess to a minimum. More time eating, less time scrubbing – that’s my motto!

Weeknight Winner

Seriously, this is my go-to when I’m short on time. It’s quicker than ordering pizza and way healthier. The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is perfect for those crazy weeknights when you just need something fast and delicious.

Flavor Explosion

Wow, the lemon, garlic, and butter combo is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s bright, savory, and totally addictive. Each bite of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is like a little party in your mouth!

Ingredients for Your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff; it makes a HUGE difference!

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 4 tbsp butter (I usually use salted, but unsalted works too!)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (packed!)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the good stuff! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a killer Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe ready in no time. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken seasoned up! Grab your chicken thighs and sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, and oregano. Don’t be shy – this is where the flavor starts!

Searing the Chicken

Now, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my fave!) over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Sear it for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want a nice golden-brown crust – that’s flavor town!

Cooking the Green Beans

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for a sec. Add your green beans to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing (careful not to burn it!). Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir in the lemon zest and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

Baking to Perfection

Place the chicken back into the skillet on top of the green beans and nestle it in there. Now, transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven (400°F or 200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the chicken cooked through and the green beans tender. I always check the internal temperature of the chicken, just to be sure!

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Want to take this dish from good to *amazing*? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned to make my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe perfect every time!

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Seriously, resist the urge to cram everything in at once! Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, and you’ll end up steaming the chicken instead of getting that beautiful sear. Trust me, sear in batches if you have to!

Fresh is Best

Okay, this is a MUST. Please, please use fresh lemon juice and zest. That bottled stuff just doesn’t compare! The bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon really makes this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe sing.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Sometimes you gotta work with what you’ve got, right? Here are a few notes on ingredients and some easy swaps you can make for this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Chicken Options

Don’t have chicken thighs? No problem! You can totally use chicken breasts instead. Just remember that chicken breasts cook faster, so you’ll want to reduce the baking time a bit. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out!

Green Bean Alternatives

Not a fan of green beans? That’s cool! Broccoli florets, asparagus, or even bell peppers would be delicious in this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed until they’re tender-crisp.

Serving Suggestions for Your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe ready to go… but what do you serve with it? Well, I’ve got a couple of ideas! My favorite is fluffy white rice – it soaks up all that delicious sauce *perfectly*. You could also try serving it with some creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food!

How to Store and Reheat Your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is just as good the next day. Just pop the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, you can either microwave them (easy peasy!) or reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. I sometimes add a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common questions I get about my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe. Hopefully, this clears things up!

Can I use frozen green beans?

Sure, you can! Just thaw them first and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet. Frozen green beans tend to be a bit more watery, so you might need to cook them a little longer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yep! You can prep the chicken and green beans ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, follow the recipe as usual. It’s a great time-saver!

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

It can be! Just watch the carbs. The green beans have some carbs, so if you’re strictly keto, you might want to sub them with a lower-carb veggie like broccoli. Otherwise, it fits pretty well!

Nutritional Information for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Okay, important note! The nutritional info below is just an estimate. It can totally vary based on the brands and ingredients you use, so don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Enjoy Your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Alright, you made it! Now go devour this amazing Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe! Oh, and hey, if you loved it, give it a rating and leave a comment – I wanna know what you think!

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