Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the bright flavors of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of butter to create a simple yet satisfying meal. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with green beans, making it a complete dinner option that is both comforting and healthy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a gourmet meal ready in no time.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy to Prepare
- Flavorful and Comforting
- Versatile and Healthy
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients List:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons EACH: grated parmesan AND olive oil
- ½ teaspoon EACH garlic powder AND Italian seasoning
- 1 ¼ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup lemon juice + 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed into 4 pieces
- 12 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
How to make Step-by-Step
1. CHICKEN:
Add the flour, parmesan, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to a shallow dish and whisk. Add each piece of chicken to the flour mixture and coat on both sides, dust off any excess flour. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the chicken to the skillet and let cook for 4-6 minutes per side depending on the thickness. Prepare the sauce while the chicken cooks. Remove chicken to a plate when cooked.
2. GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning and allow the mixture to reduce to 3 tablespoons. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and remove the pan from heat and swirl so the butter starts to melt. Place back on the heat for a few seconds, remove and continue to swirl until butter melts completely. Repeat with remaining tablespoons of butter. When butter is completely melted, remove sauce from stove; set aside.
3. ASSEMBLE:
Add a small drizzle of oil to the pan you cooked the chicken in (if it needs it). Add the lemon slices and push them around the pan with tongs to pick up all the bits left behind by the chicken. Add the green beans and sauté them for 3-5 minutes or until done to preference. Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Pile the chicken on the green beans if you’d like or divide into personal servings. You can drizzle the sauce over the entire skillet or serve it on each individual serving!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of lemon and garlic.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure freshness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) Use chicken breasts or thighs, pounded to even thickness for even cooking.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder For seasoning the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt To taste.
- ½ teaspoon pepper To taste.
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust for spice preference.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed into 4 pieces Make sure to let it melt completely.
For the Vegetables
- 12 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces Can substitute with asparagus or broccoli.
- 1 lemon sliced To add flavor while sautéing the green beans.
Instructions
Chicken Preparation
- Add the flour, parmesan, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper to a shallow dish and whisk.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dusting off any excess flour.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove chicken to a plate when cooked.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Allow the mixture to reduce to about 3 tablespoons.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl until melted. Repeat with remaining butter.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembly
- Add a small drizzle of oil to the same pan if needed. Add lemon slices and sauté to pick up bits from chicken.
- Add green beans and sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Serve chicken on the green beans or divide into individual servings. Drizzle sauce over the top or serve on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Success
- Ensure your chicken is pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t skip letting the butter melt completely; it makes the sauce rich and delicious.
- Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking before serving.
- For extra zest, add more lemon juice or slices just before serving.
Variations to Try
- Swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli for a different veggie.
- Add some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add more flavor due to their higher fat content.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I make this vegan?
You could substitute chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein and use vegan butter.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Closing Notes
Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish that can become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. With its buttery lemon sauce and tender chicken, it’s bound to impress everyone around the table. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that this dish offers!
