There’s something so comforting about the rich aroma of butter and garlic simmering with fresh lemon and tender chicken. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe strikes that perfect balance between zesty and savory, making it one of those dishes I often turn to on a busy weeknight or whenever I want a cozy but bright meal.

The image shows tender, cooked chicken pieces with a shiny, golden-brown crust on top of a bed of fresh, bright green beans. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy texture with small bits of seasoning and sauce glistening on the surface. The green beans are laid around and under the chicken, appearing fresh and slightly glossy from being cooked but still firm. The whole dish has a rich, warm color contrast between the golden chicken and the vibrant green beans, all stacked together 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

From the first time I made this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe, I was hooked. The simplicity of a one-skillet meal combined with those bold, fresh flavors means you get a restaurant-quality dish that feels homemade. Plus, it’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests.

One-pan wonder: You’ll hardly have any cleanup because everything cooks in one skillet, making dinnertime easier.
Bright & buttery flavors: The lemon and garlic butter sauce brings a fresh pop that wakes up the tender chicken and crisp green beans.
Low carb and keto-friendly: This dish fits well into many diets without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Versatile for any occasion: Dress it up with fresh herbs or serve simply for a cozy family dinner—you’ll enjoy it either way.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe plays its part perfectly—from juicy, seasoned chicken thighs to crisp green beans and that silky garlic butter sauce. Here’s a quick look at why each one matters and some tips for picking the best versions.

Flat lay of fresh green beans with bright green pods, four whole uncracked brown chicken thighs, a whole lemon with bright yellow skin and a few thin lemon slices, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl of coarse chicken broth, a small white bowl with mixed ground spices including salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, a small white bowl of vibrant red pepper flakes, and fresh sprigs of parsley and dill, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for their juicy texture and quick cooking time—they stay tender and flavorful.
Green beans: Fresh is best here—look for vibrant green, crisp beans without blemishes for the perfect snap.
Chicken broth: Using broth adds depth to the sauce and helps steam the green beans gently, keeping them bright and tender.
Butter: This enriches the sauce and brings that irresistible silky mouthfeel that makes the dish so comforting.
Garlic & garlic powder: A double dose of garlic gives the sauce a fragrant punch without overpowering the other flavors.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances out the richness of the butter and chicken.
Olive or avocado oil: These oils are perfect for searing chicken without burning and add a subtle fruity flavor.
Smoked paprika: It adds a warm, smoky depth that elevates the seasoning beyond ordinary.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a hint of heat to keep every bite interesting.

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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 how flexible this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to suit your tastes or the time you have. Personally, I sometimes swap green beans for asparagus or add mushrooms to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.

Try swapping veggies: I once used fresh snap peas instead of green beans and my family loved the slightly sweeter crunch it added.
Spice it up: Feel free to increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, or add a dash of cayenne for bold heat.
Dairy-free option: Replace the butter with coconut oil or use vegan butter to keep the dish rich without dairy.
Extra herbs: Tossing in fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking can bring a wonderful aroma and complexity to the dish.

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

A close-up of two cooked chicken thighs with a crispy, brown, and slightly shiny skin layer on top, showing a juicy white inner layer where one piece is pierced by a silver fork. Surrounding the chicken thighs are vibrant green beans with a smooth, glossy texture, arranged around the meat on a white plate, set against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Steam the Green Beans Just Right

I start by heating a large skillet with a lid over medium heat, adding ¼ cup chicken broth and the fresh green beans. Cover and let them steam for about 5 minutes—this locks in their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture. Then I remove the lid and let the liquid cook off for another 2 to 3 minutes before setting the beans aside. This two-step steaming cooking method keeps them perfectly tender without sogginess.

Step 2: Season Your Chicken For Maximum Flavor

While the beans steam, I mix 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small dish. Patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels first is key—I’ve learned this helps the seasoning stick and the chicken brown beautifully. Then, I generously season both sides with the spice blend, making sure every piece is flavorful.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Adding olive or avocado oil to the hot skillet, I wait until it shimmers before laying down the thighs flat. I cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. This step is crucial for flavor and texture; high heat sears the outside while locking in juicy tenderness.

Step 4: Create the Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the chicken is out, I turn the heat down to medium and deglaze the pan with the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth right away, scrapping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then I add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, a pinch more salt, and red pepper flakes. Letting this simmer gently until the sauce thickens by about half unlocks layers of flavor. Finally, I stir in butter until the sauce becomes silky and rich.

Step 5: Bring It All Together and Serve

Adding the chicken and green beans back to the skillet lets them soak up all that luscious sauce. I let everything heat through for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve immediately. At this point, fresh herbs and lemon slices make it feel even more special.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate this recipe and make it fail-proof. These little ideas might save you some headaches and help you get the tastiest results every time.

Pat chicken dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so always dry your chicken thighs with paper towels before seasoning.
Don’t forget to deglaze: Those stuck bits on the pan are pure flavor gold; scraping them up with broth gives your sauce incredible depth.
Steaming green beans first: It keeps them vibrant and tender without overcooking—too soft green beans just kill the texture.
Add butter last: Stir it in off the heat or on very low to keep the sauce silky and prevent it from splitting.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley or dill, a few thin lemon slices, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra color and flavor brightness. It’s these simple garnishes that make the meal feel fresh and inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

I usually pair it with a light, garlicky cauliflower rice or a simple side salad to keep things low carb and balanced. But a crusty piece of bread or some fluffy mashed potatoes also works if you want something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the chicken and beans over a bed of herbed quinoa, and arrange lemon slices artistically around the plate. You could also serve portions in cast iron skillets for rustic charm—everyone loves that cozy touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the sauce and chicken together with green beans to keep all those flavors mingling. It reheats well without drying out if you do it gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times, especially when I’ve made extra. It’s best frozen before adding delicate herbs or lemon slices. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm it slowly in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the chicken. Microwaving works in a pinch, but a skillet method keeps that luscious sauce intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can swap chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs. Pound them to an even thickness for best results.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter to maintain the rich flavor without dairy.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). They’ll be golden brown on the outside and juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Frozen green beans can work, but they tend to release more water. You might need to adjust the steaming time and make sure to cook off excess liquid to keep the veggies from becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans Recipe stands out for me because it’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures that feel both indulgent and fresh. It’s one of those meals I love recommending to friends who want something straightforward yet impressive. I hope you enjoy making it (and eating it!) as much as I do—it’s a real winner in my kitchen that’s sure to become a favorite in yours too.