If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome meal packed with flavor, Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans is the perfect choice. This one-pan dinner combines juicy seasoned chicken, crisp-tender green beans, rich garlic butter, and fresh lemon for an easy family meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Juicy garlic butter chicken with tender-crisp green beans.
- Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Naturally low carb and high in protein.
- Family-friendly with simple ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Green Beans
- 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the pieces. Toss to coat.
- Spread the chicken into a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes, tossing frequently.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the water.
- Cover and cook for 4–7 minutes until the beans are tender-crisp.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter with the minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then heat for another minute, watching carefully to avoid burning the garlic.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the green beans.
- Increase the heat to medium and pour the garlic butter over everything.
- Add the parsley and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Serve your Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Fresh green beans provide the best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to achieve a beautiful golden sear.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan before serving for even more flavor.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if preferred.
- Finish with extra lemon juice for a brighter taste.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Low Carb, Gluten-Free, High Protein
Notes
- Frozen green beans can be substituted but may cook slightly faster.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but dried parsley can be used if necessary.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low carb chicken meal.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a heartier dinner.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat for an easy weeknight chicken recipe.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely. Reduce the cooking time slightly since they soften faster.
Is this a healthy chicken dinner?
Yes. It’s packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats while remaining naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and remain extra juicy.
What can I serve with this chicken and green beans skillet?
Rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls all pair beautifully.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Similar Recipes
Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Green Beans
- 12 ounces fresh green beans trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 –5 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the pieces. Toss to coat.
- Spread the chicken into a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes, tossing frequently.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the water.
- Cover and cook for 4–7 minutes until the beans are tender-crisp.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter with the minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then heat for another minute, watching carefully to avoid burning the garlic.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the green beans.
- Increase the heat to medium and pour the garlic butter over everything.
- Add the parsley and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Serve your Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans immediately.
Notes
- Frozen green beans can be substituted but may cook slightly faster.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but dried parsley can be used if necessary.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low carb chicken meal.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a heartier dinner.
Conclusion
This Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans recipe is everything you want in an easy chicken skillet recipe—simple ingredients, incredible flavor, and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re preparing a healthy chicken dinner, a satisfying one pan chicken dinner, or a dependable weeknight chicken recipe, this garlic butter chicken is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.