Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans

Table of Contents

This dish is a perfect balance of bright citrusy flavors, savory garlic butter, and tender, juicy chicken. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s great for weeknights while being elegant enough for a special dinner. The addition of green beans makes it a well-rounded, one-pan dish that’s both healthy and delicious!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Green Beans:

2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, honey (if using), and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

In a separate pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the green beans, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp. Add lemon juice, toss, and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Serve

Plate the chicken with the green beans on the side, drizzling the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over everything. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Don’t overcook the green beans—they should still have a slight crunch for the best texture.
Add more veggies like cherry tomatoes or asparagus for extra nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Servings

Serves: 2-3
Can be doubled for meal prep or a larger family meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: ~480mg

(These are approximate values and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits

Rich in protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.
High in antioxidants – Garlic, lemon, and green beans help reduce inflammation.
Low-carb & keto-friendly – Great for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
Healthy fats – Olive oil and butter provide beneficial fats for energy and brain function.
Immune-boosting – Garlic and lemon are known for their immune-supporting properties.

Q&A

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

A: Yes! Just blanch them in hot water for a minute before sautéing to remove excess moisture.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?

A: It pairs well with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! Use dairy-free butter or replace butter with extra olive oil.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then drizzle with the lemon garlic butter sauce before serving.

This Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans is a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Let me know if you need any adjustments or variations! 😊 🍋🐔