Lemon-Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s both simple and elegant. The chicken is coated in a savory butter and garlic sauce with a zesty kick of lemon, creating a rich and tangy flavor profile.
Total Time:
40 mins
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cutlets
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 6 cups green beans (about 1 pound), trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus leaves for garnish
- ¼ cup unsalted chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (see Tip)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary based on thickness.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and add thyme or rosemary if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
Finish the Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the lemon-garlic butter sauce.
- Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors and heat through.
Cook the Green Beans:
- While the chicken is finishing, heat olive oil or butter in another skillet over medium heat.
- Add the green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.
- Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking, and season with salt and pepper. Optionally, sprinkle with a bit of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Serve:
- Plate the chicken and green beans. Spoon extra lemon-garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Enjoy your flavorful and beautifully balanced Lemon-Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans!