Easy Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Green Beans

Looking for a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner? This Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Green Beans combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon butter (plant-based) sauce alongside crisp, vibrant green beans for a meal that is sure to brighten your dinner table. It’s packed with fresh garlic, citrusy notes, and a silky sauce that ties everything together beautifully, making it perfect when you want something wholesome without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.
• Vibrant Flavors: The garlic lemon butter (plant-based) sauce adds a tangy brightness that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor as the ingredients mingle.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Protein-rich chicken paired with nutrient-packed green beans makes a wholesome, satisfying meal.
• Adaptable Dish: Easily customizable with your favorite seasonings or vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to create a satisfying dish. Each component plays a role in building the sauce’s silky texture, enhancing the green beans’ crispness, or boosting the chicken’s juicy, tender flavor.

• Boneless chicken breasts: Choose skinless for quick cooking and tender results.
• Green beans: Fresh or frozen, they add a vibrant crunch and lovely color.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings a sharp, aromatic punch.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for bright citrus flavor that lifts the entire dish.
• Butter (plant-based): Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel to the sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and sauté green beans without overpowering.
• Natural gelling agent: Used lightly to thicken the sauce into a luscious coating.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky depth and savory touch, enhancing the overall richness.

Variations for Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Green Beans

Feel free to elevate or simplify this dish depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Customize it easily to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

• Swap the green beans: Try asparagus or broccoli for different vegetable textures and flavors.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Herb infusion: Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can brighten or deepen the flavor profile.
• Plant-based protein option: Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Extra zest: Add lemon zest for an even brighter citrus note elevated beyond just juice.

How to Make Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Green Beans

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Trim the green beans and mince fresh garlic. Have your lemon juice and smoked turkey bacon sliced and ready. This prep helps your cooking flow smoothly and evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden-brown and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate while you work on the green beans and sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Green Beans

In the same skillet, add the smoked turkey bacon slices and cook until slightly crisp. Then toss in the green beans and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently to coat them in the bacon flavor and olive oil residue.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter (Plant-Based) Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add the plant-based butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of black pepper, and a small amount of natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce slightly. Stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth and silky.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet nestling them into the green beans and sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken to coat thoroughly and let everything meld together for a couple of minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Green Beans

• Pat dry the chicken: Ensures a crispy golden sear rather than steaming.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice lacks the brightness fresh juice provides.
• Watch your garlic: Cook it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet: Cook in batches if necessary to keep ingredients sizzling.
• Let the chicken rest: Allowing a few minutes before slicing locks in juices.

How to Serve Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Green Beans

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thin lemon slices adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the vibrant sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish alongside fluffy quinoa, creamy mashed potatoes (plant-based), or a warm crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the chicken on a platter with green beans fanned out around it, garnished with a twist of lemon peel and a drizzle of extra lemon butter (plant-based) sauce for an elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or plant-based butter to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well; just adjust the sauté time slightly to ensure they are tender but still crisp.

Is smoked turkey bacon necessary?

It adds a wonderful smoky depth but you can omit it or substitute with smoked turkey slices for a milder flavor.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I use instead of natural gelling agent?

If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the natural gelling agent altogether, though the sauce will be lighter in texture.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Milden the lemon amount and omit any spicy additions to keep the flavors simple and approachable for children.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Green Beans has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen thanks to its perfect balance of zesty, savory flavors and effortless cooking. It’s a delicious, wholesome meal that feels luxurious without the fuss. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and make it your own it’s sure to become a favorite for dinner time gatherings and busy nights alike.

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