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Lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans in a cast iron skillet with parsley and lemon garnish

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

This one-skillet Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a snap to fix. Juicy boneless chicken thighs and crisp green beans cook together in a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and naturally gluten free and keto friendly.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs 3 to 6 thighs depending on size; pat completely dry before seasoning
  • 1 lb green beans trimmed; about 450g
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided; or ghee for paleo
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp paprika sweet smoked preferred
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • 0.5 lemon, juiced plus extra slices for garnish
  • 0.5 cup chicken stock about 125ml
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha hot sauce adjust to taste; omit for no heat
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Instant read meat thermometer
  • Microwave-safe dish
  • Small mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Remove chicken thighs from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Pat each thigh completely dry with a paper towel to remove surface moisture -- this is essential for a proper golden sear.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken thighs right before cooking.
  3. Place trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup of water. Microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes until nearly tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
  4. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Wait until the butter is fully melted and just beginning to foam.
  5. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes without moving them until the underside is deep golden. Flip and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). Lower the heat if browning too quickly. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Lower the heat and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, Sriracha, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Add the par-cooked green beans to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until they reach your preferred tenderness.
  8. Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock. Let the sauce reduce for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy.
  9. Push the green beans to the side and return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Reheat for 1 to 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with pepper.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, extra red pepper flakes, and lemon slices.

Notes

For extra flavor, stir crispy crumbled bacon into the green beans in step 7. Chicken tenders can replace thighs but cook faster -- about 3 to 4 minutes per side -- so watch them closely. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock for best results. Freezing is not recommended as green beans become watery after thawing.
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