Introduction
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this recipe combines tender chicken with crisp green beans in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce.
The result is a mouthwatering meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious and delicious experience.
The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter is a classic trio that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and green beans. The lemon adds a bright, tangy note, while the garlic provides a robust, savory depth.
The butter brings everything together with its rich, creamy texture, making the dish indulgent yet balanced. This skillet meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with vibrant green beans and golden-brown chicken pieces.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. The recipe can also be adapted to include other vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, making it a great way to use up any produce you have on hand.
Another advantage of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is that it requires minimal cleanup. With just one skillet, you can cook the entire meal, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a wholesome meal without spending hours cleaning up afterward.
In conclusion, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a versatile, easy-to-make, and delicious dish that combines fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress and become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience that is both nutritious and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful throughout.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can give a bitter taste.
Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and sauté them for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the green beans. Pour the lemon juice and zest over the chicken and green beans, coating them evenly with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Let the chicken and green beans cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat.
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the final presentation.
How to Make
To make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This ensures that the chicken is flavorful throughout.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can give a bitter taste.
Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and sauté them for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the green beans. Pour the lemon juice and zest over the chicken and green beans, coating them evenly with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Let the chicken and green beans cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the final presentation.
Tips
Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Organic or free-range chicken can make a noticeable difference.
Be sure to trim the green beans and remove any tough ends. This ensures that they cook evenly and have a tender-crisp texture.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your taste preference. More lemon can add a brighter, tangier flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon garlic butter sauce.
To make the dish lighter, you can substitute olive oil for some or all of the butter. This still provides a rich flavor with fewer calories.
Ensure that the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. You can pound them to an even thickness if needed.
Experiment with adding other vegetables, such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes, for added color and nutrition.
Serve the dish over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to create a more substantial meal.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Garnish with additional lemon slices or herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is a versatile, easy-to-make, and delicious dish that combines fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress and become a favorite in your household.
By following the provided instructions and tips, you can create a mouthwatering meal that is both nutritious and full of flavor. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter enhances the natural taste of the chicken and green beans, making each bite a delightful experience.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience that is both nutritious and full of flavor. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, bringing joy and satisfaction to your dining table.