Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup chicken broth, divided; 12 ounces fresh green beans; 1¼ teaspoons salt, divided; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 4-5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves); 1 lemon, juiced; Garnishes like fresh parsley, fresh dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes (optional)

There's something wonderfully comforting about a one-skillet dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe brings together tender chicken thighs and crisp green beans, all drenched in a zesty, buttery sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to for busy weeknights or anytime I want dinner without the fuss.

The image shows a close-up of cooked chicken pieces and green beans. There are about five pieces of golden brown chicken with a slightly crispy, seasoned surface, dotted with small bits of garlic or spices. The chicken sits on a bed of long, bright green beans, which look tender but still firm and fresh. The beans weave around the chicken, adding a vibrant green contrast to the warm brown chicken. Everything is presented on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between effortless preparation and restaurant-quality flavor. Whenever I make it, the kitchen fills with the intoxicating aroma of garlic and lemon, and by the time it’s ready, everyone’s eager to dig in.

Simple One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and an easy cleanup.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The lemon and garlic butter sauce adds brightness and richness without overpowering the chicken or green beans.
Healthy and Low-Carb: It's naturally keto-friendly with a great mix of protein and veggies.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the heat level or herb garnishes to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The strength of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I've found that using fresh green beans and good-quality chicken thighs really elevates the dish. Here’s why these ingredients matter:

Flat lay of fresh green beans with bright green pods, four plump boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with spices, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, another small white bowl containing rich golden butter, a small white bowl filled with pale chicken broth, fresh lemon halves and thin lemon slices with bright yellow rind, a small white bowl of finely minced garlic cloves, small sprigs of vibrant green parsley and dill, and a small white bowl holding fiery red pepper flakes, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender during cooking, unlike leaner chicken breasts that can dry out.
Fresh Green Beans: Provide a crisp texture and excellent contrast to the rich sauce.
Chicken Broth: Helps steam the beans and deglaze the pan, adding savory depth to the sauce.
Garlic & Garlic Powder: Layer the garlic flavors—the powder seasons the chicken, while fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with punch.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything and balances the buttery richness.
Butter: Creates a luxurious, silky finish to the sauce that coats every bite.
Olive or Avocado Oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection without burning.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes): Give complexity and a touch of warmth, enhancing but not overwhelming the main ingredients.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep returning to this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I love adding a little extra kick with more red pepper flakes, but feel free to dial that back if you prefer mild flavors.

Variation: I once swapped green beans for asparagus when they were in season, and it was fantastic—just adjust steaming time to keep them tender-crisp.
Dietary Tweak: For a dairy-free take, swap the butter for coconut oil; it adds a subtle hint but keeps that silky sauce feel.
Herbs: Fresh parsley works great, but dill adds a surprising brightness—try both to see which you prefer!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe

The image shows two pieces of cooked chicken with a crispy, golden-brown crust on top, which looks slightly spicy with bits of garlic and seasoning. One piece is on the left, and the other is held by a fork on the right, showing the white, tender inside of the chicken. Surrounding the chicken are many bright green cooked green beans, placed closely around the chicken, resting on a white marbled surface. The shiny texture of the chicken skin and the moist inside contrast with the smooth texture of the green beans photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Steam the Green Beans Tender-Crisp

I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then adding chicken broth and the fresh green beans. Covering the pan lets the beans steam nicely, which keeps them beautifully bright and crisp. After 5 minutes, I remove the lid to let any excess liquid cook off—it’s key to avoid soggy veggies. Once they’re perfectly cooked, I transfer the beans to a bowl so they don’t overcook while I prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the beans steam, I mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika into a small dish—this seasoning blend packs in flavor. I dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels (this helps them brown better!) and rub the seasoning all over. Heating oil until it shimmers is my cue to add the chicken thighs, cooking them 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Those browned bits left in the pan? Flavor gold!

Step 3: Make the Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce

After removing the chicken to rest with the green beans, I turn the heat down to medium and deglaze the pan with the remaining chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful bits. I add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes, letting it simmer until the sauce reduces by half. Stirring in butter gives the sauce its signature silky texture—it’s the kind of finish that makes this dinner special.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Finally, I add the chicken and green beans back into the skillet, gently mixing everything in the sauce to coat it evenly. A few minutes longer on low heat lets the flavors meld and reheats the components perfectly. At this point, the whole kitchen smells amazing—and trust me, it tastes even better!

Top Tip

Through making this recipe multiple times, I’ve learned these little tips truly elevate the dish and help you get great results without stress.

Pat Chicken Dry: Moisture on the chicken prevents it from browning well—taking the extra minute to dry it makes a big difference.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: Those browned bits contain tons of flavor—scraping them into your sauce is where the magic happens.
Watch Your Heat: Sear chicken over medium-high but don’t rush it—cooking too hot risks burning the outside before the inside cooks.
Fresh Lemon Juice Late: Adding lemon juice towards the end preserves its bright zing and prevents bitterness.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and brightness. Thin lemon slices on top not only look pretty but add extra zest with every bite. And if you’re into a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes—it’s just enough to tickle your tongue without stealing the spotlight.

Side Dishes

This meal shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple cauliflower rice, roasted new potatoes, or crusty garlic bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. When I have time, a light cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast with its crisp coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table, surrounded by lemon wedges and fresh herbs. The colors pop and it invites everyone to dig in family-style, making a cozy, memorable meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so I find reheating gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth helps restore that lovely silky texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. I portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the green beans might soften a bit more after freezing, but still taste delicious.

Reheating

Reheating low and slow on the stovetop works best for preserving moisture and flavor. Adding a tablespoon or two of broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps the chicken juicy. Microwaving is okay for busy days, but do it in short bursts to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly and consider marinating them briefly to keep moist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine to keep that rich mouthfeel without dairy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook chicken thighs until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Can I use frozen green beans?

You can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before steaming to avoid excess liquid in the skillet. They might be a bit softer but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s the kind of meal that feels both fancy and easy. I love coming home to that gorgeous lemon-garlic aroma filling the house—it’s my little everyday luxury. Give this recipe a try when you want a wholesome dinner that’s sure to impress but won’t stress you out. I bet it’ll become one of your weeknight favorites too.