If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner, this lemon garlic butter chicken with green beans is the perfect solution. This one-skillet meal is packed with protein-rich chicken, crisp green beans, and a buttery lemon garlic sauce that enhances every bite. Plus, it’s low-carb, making it an excellent option for those following a keto-friendly diet.

One-skillet meals have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this garlic butter chicken recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Using simple, fresh ingredients like chicken breasts, green beans, garlic, butter, and lemon juice, you’ll create a dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor.

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, from cauliflower rice to mashed potatoes, making it highly versatile. For more one-pan chicken recipes, you might want to explore this Pinterest collection, which showcases creative variations of garlic butter chicken and other easy dinner ideas.

Additionally, learning more about the nutritional benefits of chicken can help you make informed choices about your meals. Check out this Wikipedia article on chicken as food to understand how incorporating lean protein into your diet supports overall health.

Now, let’s dive into why this one-skillet lemon garlic butter chicken should be your next go-to dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, delicious, and wholesome meal, this lemon garlic butter chicken with green beans is a must-try. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

✔ Quick & Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Uses one skillet, so cleanup is minimal.

✔ Healthy & Nutritious

High in protein from the chicken breasts, helping to keep you full and support muscle health.
Loaded with fiber and vitamins from the green beans, promoting digestion and overall well-being.
Uses olive oil, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits.

✔ Full of Flavor

The combination of garlic butter, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning creates an irresistible taste.
The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, which you can adjust to your preference.

✔ Keto & Low-Carb Friendly

With minimal carbs, this dish is perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Green beans are one of the best low-carb vegetables, making them an ideal side.

If you love easy, one-pan chicken recipes, check out this collection on Pinterest for more inspiration. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just need a quick meal, this dish ticks all the boxes

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this delicious lemon garlic butter chicken with green beans, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and healthy meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important.

For the Chicken

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken breast is a lean protein source, making this dish nutritious and filling. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Learn more about chicken as food and its health benefits.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and helps balance the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika – Gives a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a bit of spice for those who love a little kick.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds an aromatic taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to cook the chicken, providing healthy fats. Olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates a rich, buttery flavor that balances the tangy lemon.
4 cloves garlic, minced – A key ingredient that gives the dish a robust and aromatic taste. Garlic is also known for its immune-boosting properties.
Juice of 1 lemon – Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Zest of 1 lemon – Provides extra citrus flavor without additional acidity.

For the Green Beans

12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed – Green beans are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They add a slight crunch to balance the softness of the chicken. For more about their nutritional value, check out this Wikipedia article on green beans.
½ teaspoon salt – Helps bring out the natural sweetness of the green beans.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – Complements the seasonings on the chicken.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Ensures the green beans cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.

This ingredient list is simple yet powerful, creating a meal that is flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare. For even more healthy low-carb dinner ideas, explore this Pinterest board.

Substitutions & Variations

This lemon garlic butter chicken with green beans is versatile, meaning you can easily modify it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a different protein, extra veggies, or a dairy-free option, here are some great substitutions and variations to try.

Protein Alternatives

Chicken thighs – If you prefer juicier and more flavorful chicken, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Shrimp – For a seafood twist, replace the chicken with shrimp. Cook the shrimp for only 2-3 minutes per side, as they cook much faster than chicken.
Tofu – For a vegetarian option, use extra-firm tofu. Press out excess moisture, cube it, and pan-fry until golden before adding the garlic butter sauce.

Vegetable Swaps

Asparagus – A fantastic low-carb alternative to green beans, adding a slightly earthy flavor.
Broccoli – Rich in fiber and antioxidants, broccoli soaks up the lemon garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Zucchini – A great low-calorie option that becomes deliciously tender when sautéed.

Dairy-Free & Vegan Modifications

Replace butter with olive oil – If you’re dairy-free, swap the butter for additional olive oil or dairy-free butter. Check out the benefits of olive oil for a healthier cooking alternative.
Use nutritional yeast – If you want a hint of cheesy flavor without dairy, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the dish before serving.

Ways to Add More Flavor

Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for more heat.
Creamy Texture – Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
Cheesy Addition – Sprinkle grated Parmesan or feta cheese on top before serving for extra richness.

If you love experimenting with flavorful chicken dishes, explore more ideas from this Pinterest collection, which features creative variations of lemon chicken recipes.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start cooking this lemon garlic butter chicken with green beans, make sure you have the right kitchen tools for a smooth and efficient cooking experience. Using the proper tools ensures your dish comes out perfectly cooked, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Essential Tools

✔ Large Skillet or Pan – A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for evenly cooking the chicken and green beans while allowing the butter sauce to coat everything perfectly.

✔ Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Needed for chopping the chicken, trimming the green beans, and mincing garlic. A sharp knife helps achieve clean cuts for even cooking.

✔ Tongs or Spatula – Use tongs to flip the chicken while cooking and a spatula to toss everything together in the butter sauce.

✔ Measuring Spoons & Cups – Essential for accurate seasoning to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

✔ Zester & Juicer – A microplane zester is useful for getting fine lemon zest, and a manual juicer helps extract fresh lemon juice easily.

Using these tools will make your cooking experience effortless and ensure you get the best results every time. For more ideas on kitchen essentials for easy dinner recipes, check out this Pinterest collection.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked (165°F/75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic & Green Beans

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the green beans, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans.
Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then toss everything together.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
Enjoy this one-pan meal on its own or with a side of cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

For more garlic butter chicken recipes, explore this Pinterest board featuring creative variations.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

✔ Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.

✔ Don’t overcook the chicken – Keep it juicy by cooking just until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

✔ Blanch green beans first – For extra tenderness, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes before sautéing.

✔ Deglaze the pan – Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine after searing the chicken to lift up flavorful browned bits from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon garlic butter chicken is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various sides to suit different dietary preferences.

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Sides

Cauliflower Rice – A perfect grain-free option that absorbs the buttery lemon sauce well.
Steamed Broccoli – Keeps the meal light and nutritious.

Classic Comfort Sides

Mashed Potatoes – The buttery mashed potatoes balance out the tangy lemon sauce.
Garlic Bread – Adds a crispy and flavorful side for scooping up the sauce.

For more healthy low-carb dinner ideas, check out this Pinterest board.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

✔ Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

✔ Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

✔ Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

A: Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Q: How do I make this dish dairy-free?

A: Simply replace butter with extra olive oil or dairy-free butter.

Q: What other vegetables can I use?

A: Try asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a different twist.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! Cook everything ahead and store it in portions for easy meal prep.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.

For more easy dinner ideas, check out this Pinterest board.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans – A One-Skillet Meal