There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that blends zesty brightness, buttery richness, and fresh veggies all in one pan. The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe does exactly that—it’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner that feels a little special.

The image shows a close-up of five pieces of cooked chicken thighs with a golden brown, slightly crispy skin that has a textured look with visible spices and bits of garlic on top. These chicken pieces are nestled among bright green, fresh green beans that look tender with a slight shine from oil or sauce. The chicken and green beans fill the frame, with the green beans layered mostly under and around the chicken pieces. The overall colors are warm brown and vibrant green, set 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’ve made this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe countless times, especially when I want a fuss-free dinner that still impresses. The way the lemon and garlic cut through the buttery sauce while the green beans stay crisp has me hooked every time.

One-Skillet Magic: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t want that?
Bright, Bold Flavors: Lemon and garlic team up perfectly with butter and spices for a sauce that’s simply addictive.
Healthy and Low-Carb: With lean chicken thighs and fresh green beans, it’s a wholesome meal that keeps it light yet satisfying.
Quick Weeknight Winner: From pan to plate in about 30 minutes, so you can have dinner ready without stress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together like a dream. The chicken thighs stay juicy thanks to the seasoning and cooking method, while the green beans are perfectly steamed before mixing in. Each item plays its part in building layers of flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh green beans with vibrant stems, four boneless and skinless chicken thighs with smooth, pale pink skin, a whole lemon halved to show its bright yellow juicy interior, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, another small white bowl containing pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl filled with coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl holding cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl with fine garlic powder, a few fresh garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, small white bowls containing smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, sprigs of fresh green parsley and fresh dill arranged neatly, all placed 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 broth: Used for steaming and deglazing, it adds moisture and depth without overpowering.
Fresh green beans: Crisp-tender is the goal—make sure they’re fresh and bright green for best results.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, with salt helping to draw out flavors.
Garlic powder: A subtle boost of garlic that blends seamlessly into the seasoning mix.
Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky note that gives the dish a mild complexity.
Olive oil or avocado oil: Great for searing chicken, these oils handle heat well and add richness.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs hold up beautifully to searing and simmering.
Minced garlic (fresh): For that punch of garlic in the pan sauce—fresh really makes a difference.
Lemon juice: The star of this dish, lending brightness and balancing the butter’s richness.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat that livens up the flavors.
Butter: Enriches the sauce, making it luscious and silky.
Fresh parsley, dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes (optional): Gorgeous garnishes that add freshness and visual appeal.

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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

I love tweaking this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Sometimes I add a pinch more red pepper flakes when I want it spicy, or swap green beans for asparagus in spring. Feel free to make it your own.

Variation: I once added toasted almonds on top for added crunch—totally recommend if you like texture contrasts!
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great to share with friends who have dietary restrictions.
Keto-Friendly: The low-carb profile makes it a go-to when I’m watching my carbs but want something tasty and filling.
Seasonal Swap: Try swapping green beans with broccolini or snap peas depending on what’s fresh at the market.

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

This close-up image shows two cooked chicken pieces with a brown, crispy, and slightly spicy-looking crust on top. One chicken piece is being cut with a silver fork, revealing a white, tender inside. Around the chicken, there are bright green cooked green beans, adding a fresh, smooth texture and color contrast. All food sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Steam the Green Beans Just Right

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat with ¼ cup of chicken broth and fresh green beans. Cover it with a lid and let them steam for about 5 minutes. This keeps the beans bright, tender, and still crisp—don’t rush this! Then remove the lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid. Set the beans aside while you focus on the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika together and generously season the chicken thighs on both sides. Patting the chicken dry beforehand helps you get that golden crust when searing. Heat oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Lay the chicken flat and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and beautifully browned. Then transfer it to the plate with the green beans.

Step 3: Make That Luscious Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat to medium and pour in the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is flavor gold! Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half. Then, whisk in the butter for a silky finish that will have you wanting to spoon it all over everything.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken and green beans to the pan and gently toss to coat everything in the buttery lemon sauce. Let them warm through together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld. This step makes the whole dish shine.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these little tricks have saved many meals and made this recipe a consistent favorite.

Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Dry your chicken thighs really well before seasoning and cooking. Moisture is the enemy of a golden crust!
Don’t Skip Deglazing: Those browned bits are packed with flavor—scrape them up and let them infuse your sauce.
Simmer Gently: Keep that sauce simmer low and slow so it reduces nicely without burning or separating.
Use a Lid for Steaming: Covering the green beans traps steam for even cooking and keeps them vibrant and crisp.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few thin lemon slices. Sometimes I toss on a dash of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a little heat. Using fresh dill instead of parsley is another lovely option if you want a softer, herbal note.

Side Dishes

Since the chicken and green beans are flavorful and filling, I usually keep sides simple—a light quinoa salad or garlic mashed cauliflower works beautifully. On days I want more carbs, I grab some crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce. It’s heavenly!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this recipe in individual cast iron skillets with a lemon wedge on the side. It looks stunning and makes each guest feel special. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an extra flair. Trust me, presentation does elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The green beans keep their crunch, and the chicken stays juicy if you let it cool properly before sealing. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well but I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the green beans to maintain texture. When thawing, warm the chicken and sauce slowly, then add freshly steamed green beans for the best freshness.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently to warm everything evenly without drying out the chicken or turning the green beans mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work fine but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. I recommend pounding them to an even thickness and watching them closely as you cook, adjusting the time as needed.

What if I don’t have fresh green beans—can I use frozen?

You can use frozen green beans in a pinch, but fresh ones have better texture and flavor after steaming. If using frozen, you might want to reduce steaming time slightly and pat them dry before adding to avoid excess water in the pan.

Can I make this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. The flavor will still be wonderful with the lemon and garlic shining through.

How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce or omit them. For more spice, add extra flakes to taste—this recipe is flexible!

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to time and again because it’s easy, elegant, and seriously delicious. I hope you enjoy cooking it as much as I do sharing it. Nothing beats the satisfaction of a quick weeknight meal that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all afternoon. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!