Ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 1 lb (450g) green beans (trimmed, fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided for cooking)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 lb (450g) green beans (trimmed, fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Trim the green beans if needed. Mince the garlic and juice half a lemon, setting aside slices for garnish.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate while you prepare the next steps.
In the same skillet, add the green beans. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add a splash of chicken stock if needed to deglaze the pan. Push the beans to one side to make room for the sauce.
Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it. Simmer for 5 minutes until cooked through. Garnish and serve hot.
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe with butter chicken recipe is especially health dinner. Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is your answer.
It’s a one-pan wonder that combines zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter for an unforgettable meal.
As an advanced cook, you’ll appreciate how simple yet sophisticated this recipe is. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and explore why it’s a must-try. I’ll guide you through the ingredients, steps, and pro tips to elevate your culinary game. Ready to cook?
Table Of Contents

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Why This Dish Is a Must-Try
For seasoned cooks, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken offers a perfect blend of simplicity and depth. It’s a dish that lets you showcase your skills while delivering bold flavors. Here’s why it should be on your menu soon.
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits into even the busiest schedules, leaving you more time to enjoy the meal.
- Rich Flavors: The combo of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a sauce that’s tangy, savory, and utterly addictive—a true crowd-pleaser.
- One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup is a win for any cook. Everything cooks in one skillet, making this a practical choice for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the spices or sides to match your palate. It’s a versatile base for experimenting with new flavor profiles.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Let’s gather the essentials for this flavorful dish. Using fresh, quality ingredients will make your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken shine. Here’s what you’ll need for a stellar result.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 1 lb (450g) green beans (trimmed, fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided for cooking)
For the Marinade/Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt and black pepper (adjust to taste)
Important Ingredient Notes:
• Use fresh garlic for the best punch of flavor.
• Fresh lemon juice elevates the brightness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating this dish is a breeze, even for advanced cooks looking for efficiency. Follow these steps to whip up a perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preparation
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Trim the green beans if needed. Mince the garlic and juice half a lemon, setting aside slices for garnish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate while you prepare the next steps.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans
In the same skillet, add the green beans. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add a splash of chicken stock if needed to deglaze the pan. Push the beans to one side to make room for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce & Finish
Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it. Simmer for 5 minutes until cooked through. Garnish and serve hot.
Expert Tips
Take your dish to the next level with these insider tips tailored for skilled cooks like you.
- Perfect Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in juices, giving you tender, flavorful meat every time.
- Garlic Timing: Don’t overcook the garlic—it can turn bitter. Add it just before the lemon juice and stir briefly to release its aroma.
- Butter Balance: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. If the sauce feels too rich, a splash of stock can lighten it up.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken- Taste And See
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a one-pan wonder for advanced cooks who crave bold, zesty flavors with minimal effort. With golden-seared chicken, tender green beans, and a tangy garlic butter sauce, it’s the perfect quick dinner to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 lb (450g) green beans (trimmed, fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Mince garlic and juice half a lemon. Trim green beans.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté green beans in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes. Deglaze with a splash of chicken stock if needed.
- Add remaining butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for 5 minutes until cooked through. Garnish with lemon slices and serve hot.
Notes
Use a hot skillet for a proper sear. Add garlic just before lemon juice to avoid bitterness. For a lighter sauce, reduce butter or add extra stock to adjust richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Healthy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Variations & Alternatives
Feel like switching things up? Here are some creative twists to adapt this recipe to your preferences or pantry staples.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce for a fiery version that packs a punch.
- Herb Swap: Replace parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthier flavor profile that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Veggie Mix: Swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re tender but not mushy.
What to Serve With It
Pairing this dish with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some ideas that complement the flavors perfectly.
If you’re interested in more recipes, feel free to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and subtle garlic echo the sauce, creating a comforting, cohesive plate for any night.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich, buttery sauce. A fresh baguette or sourdough works wonders with every bite.
- Simple Salad: A light arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is in Bob Evans green beans?
Bob Evans green beans are a popular side, often prepared with butter, garlic, and spices. While not directly tied to Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken, they could pair well. Key ingredients include green beans, butter, salt, pepper, and sometimes bacon or onions for extra flavor.
For a similar homemade side, cook fresh green beans and toss with a lemon-garlic butter sauce.
What do I need for butter chicken?
For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need chicken thighs or breasts, butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley. Optionally, add paprika or onions. Mix lemon juice, garlic, and spices for a marinade. Butter creates the rich sauce.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your dish.
How to cook chicken without oil or fat?
To prepare chicken without oil or fat for this recipe, bake or steam it. Place seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet with lemon juice and garlic, then bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes. Steaming also retains moisture. This keeps the dish juicy without added fats.
What is the difference between butter chicken and tikka?
Butter Chicken, like this recipe, features a creamy, butter-based sauce with lemon and garlic notes, rooted in Western cuisine. Tikka refers to Indian marinated, grilled meat, often in Chicken Tikka Masala. While this dish is milder and citrusy, tikka has bolder spices like garam masala.
What is a substitute for lemon juice in butter chicken?
If you’re out of lemon juice for this dish, use lime juice for a similar tangy freshness. Alternatively, try apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but use half the amount as they’re stronger. These options maintain the balance of acidity in the sauce without altering the core flavors.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a fantastic dish that blends bright, bold flavors with ease of preparation. It’s a go-to for advanced cooks who want a quick yet impressive meal.
Why not give this recipe a try tonight? I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment below with your thoughts or any twists you added. Happy cooking!