Name: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans 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; Additional red pepper flakes

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—bright, comforting, and packed with flavor. The zesty lemon and fragrant garlic meld perfectly with tender chicken and crisp green beans, making it a quick dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows several pieces of cooked chicken thighs with a golden brown, slightly charred surface, resting on a bed of bright green, glossy green beans. The chicken has a textured, crispy skin with small bits of garlic and spices visible, and a shiny glaze of sauce that makes it look moist and flavorful. The green beans are fresh and vibrant, placed around and beneath the chicken pieces, creating a balanced color contrast. The whole scene is closely framed, focusing on the rich colors and textures of the food against a white marbled textured 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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes: a bright, savory sauce, juicy chicken thighs, and perfectly tender green beans all cooked in one skillet. It’s a no-fuss meal that tastes like you spent way more time on it.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in the same skillet, which means fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
Lusciously Flavored: The lemon garlic butter sauce is rich but fresh, balancing richness and brightness perfectly.
Healthy and Low-Carb: Packed with protein and green veggies, it fits nicely into many diets including keto-friendly plans.
Customizable: Easy to adjust for spice level, herb preferences, or even swapping green beans for other veggies you love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe comes down to well-matched ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Fresh green beans add crunch and vibrancy, while the chicken thighs bring juicy, tender meat that soaks up the buttery lemon garlic sauce like a dream.

Flat lay of fresh green beans with bright green pods, four plump boneless skinless chicken thighs, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy pale yellow softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with finely ground smoked paprika, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with black peppercorns, a halved fresh lemon with visible juicy pulp, several thin lemon slices arranged neatly, sprigs of fresh parsley and dill with bright green leaves, and a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red pepper flakes, 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: Boneless and skinless work best here for even cooking and maximum juiciness.
Fresh Green Beans: Steamed just right to keep that perfect crisp-tender bite.
Lemon Juice: Provides fresh, bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Minced Garlic: Brings warm, fragrant depth without overpowering the dish.
Butter: Adds luscious richness and helps bind the sauce ingredients together.
Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful base for steaming green beans and deglazing the pan to collect all those tasty browned bits.
Olive or Avocado Oil: Perfect for searing chicken, with a nice high smoke point.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes): These seasoning layers enhance every bite and add subtle warmth.
Fresh Parsley or Dill (Optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes at the finish.

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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

I love tweaking this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe depending on what I have around or my mood. Feel free to adjust the herbs, add a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like heat, or swap out the green beans for asparagus or snap peas.

Variation: When I’m in the mood for a bit more spice, I add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and extra red pepper flakes—it really brings a smoky warmth without overpowering the brightness.
Low-Sodium Option: To cut back on salt, reduce the seasoning blend or use low-sodium chicken broth—you won’t miss a thing with the lemon and garlic punch.
Herb Swap: Dill and parsley add freshness, but rosemary or thyme work great if you prefer a woodsy note.
Protein Swap: I’ve also tried this dish with chicken breasts; just watch your cooking time so they don’t dry out.

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

The image shows a close-up of two pieces of cooked chicken with a golden-brown, slightly crispy skin, topped with bits of seasoning and garlic. One piece is being gently held by a fork, revealing the white, juicy meat inside. Around the chicken, fresh green beans with a bright, shiny surface create a border. The food is set on a white plate with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Steam the Green Beans

First things first, heat your skillet over medium heat and add ¼ cup of chicken broth along with the fresh green beans. I use a skillet with a lid to steam them nicely—cover and cook for 5 minutes until the beans become bright green and tender-crisp. Then uncover and let the liquid cook off for 2-3 minutes to avoid sogginess. Transfer these emerald beauties to a bowl so they’re ready to rejoin the party later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs

While your green beans are steaming, mix 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and some pepper in a small dish. I pat my chicken thighs dry with paper towels for the best sear, then sprinkle both sides generously with the seasoning blend. This step ensures every bite is flavorful and the skin (or surface) crisps up beautifully.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook without moving them for 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the green beans — the kitchen is already smelling amazing.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and pour in the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the skillet—it’s the flavor jackpot! Add minced garlic, lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer on low until it reduces by about half, concentrating those bright and buttery notes.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Reheat Everything

Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter until it melts into the sauce like silk. Then nestle the chicken and green beans back into the skillet, gently tossing them in the sauce. Let everything warm through for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly before serving.

Top Tip

From countless attempts, I’ve learned a few simple things that make all the difference when making this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe. These tips help you nail the texture and flavor every single time.

Pat Dry Chicken: Removing moisture from the chicken surface helps it brown beautifully instead of steaming.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your chicken thighs enough room so they sear properly and get a nice golden crust.
Control the Heat: Medium-high heat is perfect for searing chicken, but turn down to medium when making your sauce so it gently reduces without burning garlic.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice doesn't deliver the same bright punch. Fresh lemon juice really lifts this dish to the next level.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe

lemon garlic chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh lemon slices tucked around the plate and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill. They add a fresh pop of color and brightness that complements the richness of the butter sauce. If you really like a little heat, scatter extra red pepper flakes on top for some welcome zing.

Side Dishes

Since the green beans are already part of the main dish, I like pairing this with a simple side like garlic mashed cauliflower or fluffy quinoa to round out the meal. Sometimes, crusty bread for sopping up every drop of the lemon garlic butter sauce is my absolute favorite choice.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe on a beautiful large platter with lemon slices and fresh herbs artistically scattered on top. It makes the humble skillet meal look so inviting and festive—great for a casual dinner party or family gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the chicken keeps really well for up to 3 days. The green beans hold their texture nicely too, so you won’t end up with a soggy mess when reheating.

Freezing

While I usually prefer fresh for this lemony dish, you can freeze cooked chicken and green beans in the sauce. Just portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. The sauce might thicken a bit, so stir in a splash of chicken broth as it warms up.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. This method brings back the vibrant flavors and lovely sauce texture without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can. Just be careful to not overcook them, as breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear and the meat should be firm but still juicy.

Can I substitute other vegetables for green beans?

Absolutely! Asparagus, snap peas, or broccoli florets work well. Just adjust the steaming time slightly depending on the vegetable’s tenderness.

Is this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it a perfect option for quick, flavorful meals during the week.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Recipe is a personal favorite because it transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s something so satisfying about that bright lemon butter sauce coating tender chicken and crisp green beans. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner; you might just find a new go-to recipe.