Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

This lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet is an easy, one-pan meal that's ready to eat in just minutes! 

Boneless chicken thighs are pan-fried to get a crispy outer crust, while tender green beans are steamed in savory chicken broth. Once ready, they're both tossed and coated in a delicious lemon garlic sauce for an ultra-rich and oh-so-flavorful meal. 

One-skillet dinners are my saving grace when I want to eat something healthy and satiating that'll cook up quick and require as few dishes as possible (like my Sheet Pan Cheesy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice).

This chicken and green beans dinner is a perfect example of that. It's packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables.

And even better, it all comes together in just one pan!

a one-skillet lemon garlic butter chicken 

An easy chicken recipe doesn't have to be a boring one with this keto-friendly chicken thighs recipe!

With the classic (yet epic) flavor combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and a spice mixture that'll invigorate your taste buds, this chicken dish is anything but bland.

The lemon-y butter sauce is what really takes this dish to the next level. Basic ingredients like butter, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, combined with the pan drippings from the chicken, make a rich and savory pan sauce with so much flavor. And it's all low carb, too. 

Serve it over some cauliflower mash or with a simple side salad or just enjoy it on its own as a complete meal.

It's one of those effortless weeknight dinners with vibrant flavors that'll feel like a win. Plus, who doesn't love a delicious and quick dinner that requires minimal cleanup? 

why this recipe works

This recipe is the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables to fuel your body and keep you satisfied. The chicken thighs provide ample amounts of protein, while the butter adds some healthy fat to keep you satiated.  

The veggies add a beautiful pop of color along with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're also the perfect amount of "cooked"- tender yet crisp and still springy.

And let's not forget about that irresistible butter sauce that brings everything together! This dish is a winner for everyone. Plus, it all cooks in just one skillet, which makes clean-up a breeze. 

This chicken and green beans recipe is also versatile. I like to add a dash of red chili pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat (you can also use your favorite hot sauce) but you can certainly omit it if you like. 

 Lemon garlic butter chicken with green beans is:

• Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick yet satisfying meal with easy prep and easy cleanup. 
• Flavorful enough to keep you satiated and satisfied, low-carb diet or not!
• A great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to fuel your body and keep you full. 
• Customizable to your liking with different spice blends or vegetable options.
• A delicious skillet meal that all eaters will love. 

featured ingredients

• Chicken broth. This is used to add flavor to the green beans and deglaze the pan after cooking the tender chicken. If you don't have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with chicken stock or veggie broth.
• Green beans. Use fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half if you prefer. 
• Spices. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes give this dish a flavorful kick. Feel free to adjust the amounts or use your favorite spice blend to make it your own.
• Chicken thighs. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Garlic. It brings the flavor and makes this dish simply irresistible.
• Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright lemon flavor to the dish that balances out the richness of the butter.
• Butter. Adds richness and even more flavor to this dish! You can use any type of butter you prefer, just make sure to reduce the salt a tad if you're using salted butter.
• Garnishes. I like to top servings with extra crushed chili pepper, a slice of lemon, fresh parsley or even fresh dill, but garnishes are completely optional!

chicken and green beans with lemon garlic butter sauce

When you're in need of a quick and easy dinner, you bet that this chicken and green beans skillet will be your new go-to!

It's simple, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep, making it a great option for busy bees who need something fresh, healthy, and quick. 

Here's a look at the process but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the printable recipe card. 

steam the green beans

Heat a large skillet (one with a lid) over medium heat. Add ¼ cup chicken broth and the green beans, then cover with the lid and cook for 5 minutes.

Remove the lid and cook another 2 minutes or until the liquid cooks out. Then transfer the veggies to a bowl or a plate and set aside. 

cook the chicken

make the sauce

Turn the heat to medium and immediately deglaze the pan with the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth. Scrape up any stuck bits with a spatula. 

Next, add the garlic, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture over low heat until the sauce has reduced by about half. Mix in the butter and cook another 1-2 minutes. 

Add the chicken and green beans back into the pan and gently mix them in with the sauce. Serve with fresh lemon slices and extra red pepper flakes, if desired.

tips for the best results

• Boneless and skinless chicken thighs should get a nice, crispy crust when pan-fried. Make sure to pat dry the chicken well to get a crispy exterior. Spread out the chicken thighs in the pan so they are flat- they will cook quickly this way. 

• The chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer. 

• Minced garlic from a jar is fine in a pinch, but fresh garlic will give you the most fragrant and flavorful sauce. I recommend using it if you can (it’s 100% worth the extra effort!), especially since garlic is one of the main flavors in the pan sauce.

how to store and reheat leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

To reheat, simply place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for a quicker, easier option.

serving suggestions

To make this dish a complete meal, serve it over some cauliflower rice or with a simple side salad. My Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice or Coconut Cauliflower Rice would be perfect accompaniments! It would also be a dream served over this Roasted Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic!

Some of my favorite salads to pair this with are this Tuscan Kale Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing or Copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad.  Both are loaded with flavor and provide a nice balance to the chicken and green beans.

you might also love

• This Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken is another easy one-skillet meal that contains Tuscan favorites like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce that'll rock your world. It's creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious!

• Satisfy all your Southern comfort food cravings with this Keto Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits! Tender chicken and vegetables smothered in a creamy sauce topped with buttery almond flour biscuits. It all bakes into one-skillet meal perfection.

• Love bruschetta? Love easy one-pan meals? Then you're going to love this Bruschetta Chicken Bake Recipe. Chicken thighs are infused with a balsamic marinade, then baked in a casserole dish and topped with a sweet basil and balsamic tomato mixture that adds bold flavor and freshness.