Name: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh green beans; 1 lemon, juiced; garnishes like fresh parsley, fresh dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes (optional); 4-5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup chicken broth, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 3 tablespoons butter

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that’s packed with bright, fresh flavors yet comes together in just one pan. This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe does exactly that — juicy chicken thighs meet crisp green beans, all smothered in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce that’ll have you licking your plate clean.

The image shows a close-up of several browned chicken pieces placed on and between bright green green beans. The chicken pieces have a crispy, golden-brown skin with a slightly shiny, oily texture and small bits of seasoning and garlic. The green beans are long and firm, with a fresh, glossy finish, forming a green bed under and around the chicken. The dish sits atop 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 Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both easy and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding friends, the flavors come together so effortlessly without needing a ton of dishes or fancy techniques.

One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Bright & Comforting: The fresh lemon juice balances the buttery garlic sauce beautifully, making each bite bursting with flavor.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Using boneless, skinless thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful every time.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy grocery runs — you’ll likely have everything on hand already.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish shines because of the harmony between fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple seasoning. The green beans steam just enough to stay crisp, while the chicken soaks up a garlicky, buttery lemon sauce. Here’s a little insight into why each ingredient pulls its weight.

Flat lay of fresh green beans with bright green pods, four whole uncracked brown chicken thighs, a whole fresh lemon sliced into thin rounds and one whole lemon cut in half, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth pale yellow butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl with deep red smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with minced fresh garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear light chicken broth, and fresh sprigs of parsley and dill placed delicately nearby, all arranged symmetrically 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: Their higher fat content compared to breasts means juicy, tender results that won’t dry out.
Fresh green beans: They add a nice snap and vibrant color, plus they absorb the lemon garlic sauce perfectly.
Chicken broth: Adds richness and depth, and helps steam green beans without extra fat.
Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and cuts through the butter’s richness.
Minced garlic: Gives an aromatic punch without overpowering the other flavors.
Butter: Creates a luscious sauce that clings to the chicken and beans; don’t skip it!
Olive or avocado oil: Great for searing chicken with a bit of healthy fat.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes): These layers build complexity and warmth, especially that subtle smoky hint from the paprika.

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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’ve played around with this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe quite a bit, and it’s fun to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—it’s forgiving and flexible!

Variation: I sometimes swap out green beans for asparagus or snap peas, which gives a slightly different crunch and seasonality vibe.
Spice it up: A pinch more red pepper flakes kicks up the heat nicely if you prefer a little zing.
Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter — it won’t be quite as rich but still delicious.
Protein swap: Chicken breasts work too, just watch the cook time to avoid dryness.

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

The image shows two pieces of cooked chicken with a golden-brown, slightly shiny, textured surface, likely from a sauce or seasoning. One piece is whole while the other is partly sliced, revealing white tender meat inside. Both chicken pieces sit on a base of long, bright green beans, arranged close around the chicken. A silver fork is pressing into the sliced piece of chicken on the right side of the image. The scene is set on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Steam the Green Beans Gently

Start by heating a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth along with your fresh green beans. Pop the lid on and let them steam for about 5 minutes. This locks in their crisp texture while softening them just enough. Then, remove the lid and cook the beans uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until all the liquid evaporates. Set these aside on a plate — you’ll add them back at the end.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the beans are steaming, mix up your seasoning blend in a small bowl: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. I always like to pat my chicken thighs dry first; it helps the seasoning stick and the chicken to brown beautifully. Rub the seasoning generously on both sides of each piece.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lay the chicken thighs down flat—don't crowd the pan, or work in batches if needed. Let each side cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the beans.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and deglaze your skillet with the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure flavor gold. Toss in the minced garlic, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently until it reduces by half, which takes just a few minutes. Stir in the butter to create a silky, rich sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken and green beans back into the skillet. Give them a gentle toss in the sauce to coat everything evenly and warm through for about 2-3 minutes. This step melds all those flavors beautifully and finishes the dish perfectly.

Top Tip

Having made the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe many times, I’ve found a few key things really make it shine and help avoid common pitfalls.

Pat the chicken dry: This simple step is a game changer for getting a crisp, golden crust instead of steamed chicken.
Don’t skip deglazing: Scraping those browned bits off the pan brings incredible depth to your sauce—it’s where all the magic hides.
Control your heat: Medium-high for searing, then lower to medium or low to simmer the sauce gently without burning garlic.
Use a lid for steaming green beans: This keeps them perfectly tender-crisp and vibrant green, essential for that bright contrast with the chicken.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top the dish with fresh parsley and a few thin lemon slices — they add color and an extra pop of freshness. If I’m feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of fresh dill or a dash more red pepper flakes kicks it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. When I’m in the mood to keep it low-carb, I skip the starch and serve it as is — the green beans feel like the perfect touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family dinner, I serve everything right out of the skillet—warm and rustic. But for friends, I like to plate the chicken atop the green beans with juices drizzled over, adding a lemon wedge on the side for an elegant look. A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes it feel special in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The green beans hold up well and the chicken stays moist thanks to the buttery sauce.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely if you want to keep some on hand. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the green beans so they maintain their texture better when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stove. Add green beans last and just heat through to avoid overcooking them — they’re best when still a little crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful to reduce the cooking time since breasts cook quicker and can dry out more easily. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature for safety.

What if I don’t have fresh green beans?

If you can’t find fresh green beans, frozen green beans can work as well. Just thaw and pat them dry before steaming. The texture won’t be quite as crisp, but the flavor will still be great when combined with the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for extra olive oil or avocado oil to keep it dairy-free. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still savory and delicious with the garlic and lemon.

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

Cooking chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side usually does the trick, but the safest way is to use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy on the inside.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it feels like a home-cooked hug—you know, that blend of cozy and fresh that hits just right. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your go-to for effortless dinners that never skimp on flavor.