Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet with Green Beans (Print Version)

Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans Delight! Savor this simple, flavorful skillet meal, perfect for any busy weeknight. Quick & delicious!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if broth is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Stars

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
02 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

→ Zesty Flavor Boosters

03 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (or more, no judgment here!)
04 - 2 fresh lemons (for juice and zest)
05 - 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

→ Pantry Staples

06 - 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a step I always used to skip, and trust me, it makes a huge difference in getting that beautiful golden-brown sear. Slice them horizontally if they're super thick, maybe an inch or so, just to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper on both sides. I always get a little salt on the counter here, but hey, that's just part of the kitchen experience, right?
02 - Get a large skillet, my trusty cast iron is usually out for this, over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Don't overcrowd it; you might need to do this in batches. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until it's golden and cooked through. I used to flip it too early, ending up with pale, sad chicken. Don't be like me! Remove the chicken to a plate and loosely tent it with foil. This lets it rest and keeps it juicy.
03 - In the same skillet (don't clean it, those bits are flavor!), add another splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in your trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be tender-crisp, with a bit of a char here and there. I love how the kitchen starts to smell so fresh and earthy at this point. If they're looking a little dry, a tiny splash of water helps them steam a bit.
04 - Once the green beans are nearly done, push them to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic to the empty side and cook for about 30 seconds until it's fragrant. Oh, that smell! Don't let it burn, or it gets bitter, a mistake I've made more times than I'd like to admit. Pour in the chicken broth and the fresh lemon juice. Stir it all together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic happens, honestly.
05 - Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and thicken. It should smell wonderfully bright and savory. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Spoon some of that gorgeous sauce over the chicken and beans. This step just brings everything together, letting the flavors marry. I love seeing the chicken absorb all that zesty goodness.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon zest – this really brightens everything up at the last minute! Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Give it a final taste; you might want a tiny bit more salt or a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately. The chicken should be tender, the beans crisp-tender, and that sauce? Absolutely lick-the-plate worthy. It’s a sight, smell, and taste that just makes me happy every time.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing for that perfect golden crust.
02 - Leftovers are best reheated gently on the stovetop to keep the chicken juicy.
03 - No fresh green beans? Asparagus or broccoli florets work great as a substitute.
04 - Serving this with fluffy white rice is my absolute favorite way to soak up all that incredible sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
02 - Tongs
03 - Cutting board
04 - Knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 420
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 45g

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