Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet 

This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! It’s perfect for a weeknight meal.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic and green beans: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Make the lemon garlic butter sauce: Pour the lemon juice into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the lemon zest and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken and green beans are coated in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice.
• Add other vegetables to the skillet, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end.
• Serve the chicken and green beans over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon juice, garlic, and thyme for 30 minutes before cooking.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet!