Description
Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans deliver a Mediterranean-inspired dinner that dances with bold, zesty flavors. Fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques combine to create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
Cooking Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb green beans
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then generously season with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.
- Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a crispy exterior.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and combine with garlic, creating a rich, aromatic base.
- Toss green beans into the skillet, stirring to coat with garlic butter and adding chicken broth to help steam and soften.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over green beans, cooking for 4-5 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
- Zest and juice the lemon directly into the skillet, stirring to incorporate bright citrus flavors into the sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning garlic butter sauce over the meat and green beans.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, allowing the herbs to add a final layer of freshness to the dish.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each plate receives a chicken breast, green beans, and a generous drizzle of lemon garlic butter sauce.
Notes
- Perfectly pat chicken breasts dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and enhance seasoning adhesion.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on spice preference, creating a personalized heat level for different palates.
- Transform dish into gluten-free option by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg