Name: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup chicken broth, divided; 12 ounces fresh green beans; 1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 4-5 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves); 1 lemon, juiced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons butter; Fresh parsley, fresh dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)

There’s something so comforting about this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe—juicy chicken thighs meet bright, garlicky lemon sauce, all tossed with crisp-tender green beans. It’s one of those weeknight wonders that feels special but comes together fast, and I can’t wait to share how you can nail it perfectly at home.

The image shows five pieces of golden brown cooked chicken placed closely together on a bed of bright green cooked green beans. The chicken pieces have a shiny, slightly oily texture with specks of seasoning and small bits of cooked garlic visible, giving them a rich, flavorful look. The green beans are long and firm, providing a fresh and vibrant green color that contrasts with the warm tones of the chicken. All of this is set against 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

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes without demanding hours of prep. I love how juicy, buttery chicken thighs soak up that fresh lemon-garlic sauce, while the green beans add the perfect snap to every bite.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal.
Bright, Balanced Flavors: The tangy lemon juice pairs beautifully with savory garlic and a touch of butter for richness.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Using boneless, skinless thighs keeps the meat juicy and forgiving if you’re new to cooking poultry.
Low-Carb Friendly: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly — no need to compromise on taste or diet.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe is chosen to balance flavor, texture, and ease. Plus, I’ve picked staples you can find easily, so no scavenger hunts at the grocery store. Let’s break down what’s going on:

Flat lay of fresh green beans with bright green pods, four boneless skinless chicken thighs with natural pinkish hues, a whole yellow lemon cut into thin slices, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy pale yellow butter cubes, a small white bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl holding white garlic cloves and minced garlic, a few sprigs of bright green fresh parsley and fresh dill, small piles of coarse sea salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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 thighs: More forgiving and flavorful than breasts, thighs stay juicy even if the timing’s a little off.
Fresh green beans: They steam quickly and add a bright crunch that complements the butter sauce perfectly.
Chicken broth: Deglazing with broth helps lift those caramelized bits from the pan, deepening the sauce flavor.
Lemon juice: Fresh is non-negotiable here—the sharp citrus cuts through the richness effortlessly.
Garlic (minced and powder): Garlic powder layers background flavor, while fresh garlic adds that punch when sautéed in butter.
Butter and olive oil: The butter creates a silky sauce, while olive oil prevents burning and helps sear the chicken.
Smoked paprika and red pepper flakes: These add warmth and subtle heat, elevating the flavor without overpowering.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together, I split the salt in stages for best results.

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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

One of the things I adore about this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak—whether you want more spice, a different veggie, or a dairy-free version. It’s your canvas!

Variation: I sometimes swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli florets depending on what’s fresh or on sale. Both work beautifully and offer new textures.
Spicier Kick: If you like heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce. I often double it for a little zing.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and you’ll have a lovely dairy-free meal without sacrificing richness.
Protein Swap: This method works with chicken breasts or turkey cutlets, but keep an eye on cooking time since those dry out faster.

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

The image shows a close-up of two pieces of cooked chicken with a crispy, golden brown outer layer covered in a shiny, reddish-brown glaze with visible bits of seasoning. One piece is being held by a silver fork, revealing the tender, white meat inside. The chicken is surrounded by bright green, fresh green beans that add a vibrant color contrast. Everything is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Steam the Green Beans to Crisp-Tender Perfection

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding ¼ cup of chicken broth along with the fresh green beans. Cover them so they steam for about 5 minutes—this gets them tender but still with a satisfying snap. Then uncover, and cook another 2-3 minutes to evaporate the excess liquid. This step guarantees you won’t end up with soggy beans, which is a pet peeve of mine!

Step 2: Season the Chicken Generously

While the green beans are steaming, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Give those boneless skinless thighs a good pat dry with paper towels, then rub them evenly with your seasoning mix. I find drying the chicken first is key to getting that nice sear and avoiding a steamed texture.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Heat your olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs flat in the pan—don’t crowd them. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until they’re deeply golden and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F if you’re unsure. Once done, transfer the chicken to the plate with the green beans.

Step 4: Make the Luscious Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and pour in the remaining chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom—they’re liquid gold for the sauce. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, a little salt, and red pepper flakes, and simmer gently until the sauce reduces by about half. Then, swirl in the butter and let it melt for 1-2 minutes, enriching that tangy sauce with creamy goodness.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Reheat Briefly

Pop the chicken and green beans back in the skillet and toss gently so they soak up the sauce. Let everything heat together for a couple more minutes—just enough to meld the flavors without overcooking the chicken or softening the green beans too much.

Top Tip

From the many times I’ve made this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe, the little things made all the difference. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind to get restaurant-quality results at home:

Pat Chicken Dry First: Moisture on the chicken creates steam instead of a nice sear. Drying the meat ensures that golden crust we all love.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: Scraping those brown bits into your sauce adds intense flavor—this makes the difference between good and “wow” sauce.
Steam Beans First: This method keeps your green beans bright and crisp, avoiding that soggy texture you see when they’re boiled or overcooked in the pan.
Time Your Garlic: Adding minced garlic during sauce reduction lets it mellow and infuse without burning or becoming bitter.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill on top—they add freshness and color that feel like a finishing touch. For brightness and a little extra zing, I toss in thin lemon slices and sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a bit of heat at the table.

Side Dishes

Since it’s low-carb, I often keep it simple with a side of cauliflower rice or garlic mashed cauliflower. But if carbs aren’t an issue, creamy mashed potatoes or a warm crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce is dreamy.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests, I like to plate the chicken thighs over a bed of rice or quinoa, fan the green beans around, and drizzle extra sauce on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes it feel celebratory without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken remains tender, and the green beans hold up better than most veggies in a sauce.

Freezing

Freezing works, too—just cool everything completely, then seal in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken; the texture after freezing might be a tad softer for the green beans, but still delicious.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and refreshes the green beans without turning them mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts; just watch your cooking time carefully since breasts can dry out faster. Cook them 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; when it reads 165°F, the chicken is safe and juicy. Without a thermometer, the juices should run clear, and the meat won’t look pink.

What can I use instead of green beans if I don’t have any?

Great question! You can swap green beans for asparagus, broccoli florets, or even snap peas. Just adjust cooking times so they remain crisp-tender and don’t overcook.

Is this dish suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?

Yes! This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits perfectly into keto or low-carb meal plans, making it a healthy and flavorful option.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite because it’s delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for busy nights but still feels like a lovingly crafted meal. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a regular on your dinner rotation, just like it is in mine!