Quick Overview
Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful dish to prepare for dinner? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans is the perfect solution! Combining tender chicken breasts with the zesty flavors of lemon and garlic, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to make. The addition of green beans adds a nutritious touch, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family with this mouthwatering meal!
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breasts
You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. The chicken should be fresh or thawed if previously frozen. Using thinly sliced pieces helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Olive Oil
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the chicken. This healthy fat adds flavor and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken.
Garlic
Incorporate 4 cloves of minced garlic into the dish. Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities, making every bite delightful.
Unsalted Butter
Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter for richness. It adds a creamy texture that complements the tanginess of lemon while keeping the chicken moist.
Fresh Lemon Juice
You’ll need the juice of 2 lemons. Fresh lemon juice provides a vibrant tang that brightens up the dish and balances out the richness from the butter.
Green Beans
Prepare 1 pound of fresh green beans. These should be trimmed and washed before cooking to ensure they are crisp and vibrant in color when added to the skillet.
Salt and Pepper
Season with salt and pepper to taste. These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Step By Step Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. Wash the green beans under cold water, trim their ends, and set them aside. Mince the garlic and juice the lemons before beginning to cook for convenience.
Step 2: Heat Olive Oil in Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet without overcrowding them. Cook until they are golden brown on one side, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Flip Chicken Breasts
Once the first side is cooked through, use tongs to flip each chicken breast over gently. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic along with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir continuously for about one minute until fragrant but not browned—this prevents bitterness in your dish.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice
Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice from two lemons into the skillet after sautéing garlic. Stir well to combine all flavors, ensuring that any bits stuck at the bottom are released into your sauce.
Step 6: Cook Green Beans
Introduce your prepared green beans into the skillet next. Toss them in with garlic-lemon sauce so they can absorb those delicious flavors while cooking for about 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
Step 7: Return Chicken to Skillet
Once green beans are cooked perfectly al dente, return your golden-brown chicken breasts back into the skillet atop vegetables. Spoon some sauce over everything before letting it cook together for an additional minute or two.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Remove from heat once everything is well combined and heated through again—this ensures both flavors meld beautifully! Serve hot right from skillet onto plates or bowls as desired.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce! You can also enjoy it alongside crusty bread or a simple salad for added freshness.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container within your refrigerator for up to three days maximum. Reheat gently on low heat in a pan or microwave until warmed through while preserving moisture levels.
Freezing Tips
If you wish to freeze portions of this dish, place cooled servings into freezer-safe containers after cooking completely. They can last up to three months frozen but may lose some texture upon reheating later on.
With these guidelines in mind, you’ll create an unforgettable meal sure to satisfy everyone at your table! Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans tonight!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can lead to dry meat, which detracts from the dish’s flavor and texture. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Another mistake is using low-quality butter or garlic. The flavors from quality ingredients significantly enhance your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans. Opt for fresh garlic and unsalted butter for the best results.
Neglecting to season properly can ruin your dish. Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A well-seasoned meal brings out the flavors of the chicken and green beans beautifully.
Failing to prep ingredients beforehand can disrupt your cooking flow. Ensure that you have all ingredients chopped and measured before starting. This organization helps you maintain control over cooking times and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Using frozen green beans instead of fresh can affect texture and flavor. Fresh green beans add a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken perfectly. If fresh isn’t available, thaw frozen beans thoroughly before adding them to the skillet.
Tips and tricks
For a richer flavor in your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least an hour before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, making each bite more delicious.
To achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on your chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet during cooking. If necessary, cook in batches rather than all at once. This allows for better heat circulation around each piece of chicken, resulting in an evenly cooked dish.
Experiment with different herbs to elevate your flavor profile further. Fresh thyme or rosemary can complement lemon and garlic beautifully, adding depth to your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans without overpowering it. Simply sprinkle some chopped herbs into the skillet just before serving for added freshness.
Pairing this dish with a light side salad or rice can balance its richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to buttery chicken and green beans while keeping the meal light.
Keep an eye on cooking times when adding vegetables. Green beans should be vibrant green but still slightly crisp when served alongside your chicken. For best results, add them during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender yet crunchy.
Suggestions for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans
For added creaminess in your dish, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream just before serving. This creates a luscious sauce that coats both the chicken and green beans beautifully without overwhelming their natural flavors.
If you want extra zest, try garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or additional lemon zest right before plating. These simple additions not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute brightness that complements savory elements in your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans.
For those looking for a kick of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or crushed chili peppers while sautéing garlic in butter. This addition will spice things up nicely without overshadowing other flavors present in the dish.
Consider serving this meal alongside crusty bread or buttery rolls for sopping up any remaining sauce on plates—it’s an easy way to enjoy every last bite! The bread also adds texture and substance that pairs well with lighter components like green beans.
If you’re preparing this dish for dinner guests, think about doubling the recipe easily! Just ensure you have a larger skillet or use two pans simultaneously so everything cooks evenly while maintaining flavors intact throughout each portion served.
FAQs
What sides pair well with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans?
You can serve this flavorful dish alongside various sides such as fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for comfort food appeal. A fresh garden salad also makes an excellent choice if looking for something lighter alongside it!
Can I prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate your chicken earlier in the day or even prepare complete meals ahead of time if desired; simply reheat gently before serving so all ingredients retain their deliciousness!
How do I store leftovers from this recipe?
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans in an airtight container within two hours after cooking; it should remain good for three days when refrigerated properly!
Can I use other vegetables instead of green beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers based on personal preferences; just adjust cooking times accordingly depending on how quickly they cook compared to green beans!
Is there a low-carb version of this dish?
To create a low-carb alternative while keeping similar flavors intact, swap out traditional sides like rice for cauliflower rice; it provides incredible texture without added carbs!
How spicy is this dish typically?
The original recipe focuses primarily on lemony garlicky goodness; however, you may customize spice levels by opting into additional seasonings like red pepper flakes if desired!
Summary
In summary, preparing Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Green Beans involves avoiding common pitfalls such as overcooking and improper seasoning while employing helpful tips like marinating chicken beforehand. Adding creamy elements enhances richness while experimenting with sides elevates overall enjoyment of this delightful meal!