Description
A flavorful one-skillet meal featuring tender boneless chicken thighs and crisp green beans coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. This low-carb, keto-friendly dinner is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 12 ounces fresh green beans
- 1 lemon, juiced
- garnishes like fresh parsley, fresh dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes (optional)
Chicken
- 4-5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Seasonings & Spices
- 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
Liquids & Fats
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Steam Green Beans: Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and the fresh green beans. Cover and steam for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for another 3 minutes to evaporate the liquid. Transfer green beans to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with the seasoning blend.
- Cook Chicken: Add oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, lay chicken thighs flat and cook for 7 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 7 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer chicken to the plate with the green beans.
- Make Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Deglaze the skillet with the remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low until sauce reduces by half. Stir in butter and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine and Reheat: Return chicken and green beans to the skillet. Gently mix with the sauce and reheat for 3 minutes if needed.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and green beans. Garnish with fresh lemon slices, chopped parsley or dill, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat that cooks evenly.
- Fresh green beans can be substituted with frozen if fresh is not available; adjust steaming time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, sear chicken skin-on thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time.
- The sauce can be adjusted for heat by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Use a skillet with a lid to effectively steam the green beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 374 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 726 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 154 mg
