Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast with Green Beans Recipe

If you are craving a dish that brings vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of zest and heartiness, the Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast with Green Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breast with crisp green beans, all infused with bright lemon and aromatic garlic, making every bite a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a fantastic go-to meal whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends at dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast with Green Beans Recipe, the ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward yet essential. Each element plays a role in creating that signature brightness and comforting texture that will make this dish a favorite in your rotation.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein star that keeps the dish light and juicy when cooked properly.
• Fresh green beans: These add a crisp, vibrant touch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Olive oil: Acts as the perfect cooking fat to sear the chicken and sauté the green beans gently.
• Lemon juice: Brings a sunny acidity that lifts all the flavors and keeps everything fresh and bright.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every flavor ingredient in the dish.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a gentle warmth to the chicken’s flavor profile.
• Dried thyme: A herbaceous note that complements both the chicken and green beans elegantly.
• Chicken broth: Used to gently cook and flavor the green beans, rounding out the dish with savory depth.
• Butter: Stirred in at the end to enrich the beans with a velvety finish.
• Optional fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note as a garnish.
• Optional lemon wedges: Serve on the side for those who want an extra citrus burst.

How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast with Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust once seared.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. These spices form a flavor-packed crust that’s both comforting and intriguing.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn gorgeous golden brown. This locking in of juices is the secret to tender meat.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked—moist and safe, never dry.

Step 5: Prepare the Green Beans

While your chicken is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender-crisp and vibrantly green. Drain and set aside to maintain their fresh snap.

Step 6: Sauté Garlic and Green Beans

In a separate skillet, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds, releasing that amazing aroma that makes your kitchen irresistible.

Step 7: Combine Beans and Broth

Add the cooked green beans and chicken broth to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the beans well and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This step softens the beans slightly while allowing them to soak up savory broth flavor.

Step 8: Add Lemon and Butter

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and butter, letting the butter melt and coat the green beans in a glossy, flavorful finish that perfectly balances the zesty lemon.

Step 9: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This rest period lets the juices redistribute, making every slice juicy and tender. Then slice into thick, satisfying pieces.

Step 10: Plate and Serve

Serve the sliced chicken breast alongside your beautifully garlicky, lemon-kissed green beans. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley and offering lemon wedges on the side for an added zest boost.

How to Serve Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast with Green Beans Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a splash of color but also a refreshing herbal nuance that complements the zesty lemon and garlic flavors beautifully. Lemon wedges on the side give guests the freedom to add an extra citrus burst to their plates.

Side Dishes

While this meal stands impressively on its own, pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad turns it into a hearty feast. A crusty baguette or garlic bread also makes a welcome companion to soak up any extra buttery lemon sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken slices fanned over a bed of green beans drizzled with pan juices for an elegant look. For a casual twist, toss everything together in a large serving bowl so guests can dig in family-style—either way, the flavors shine through beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and green beans in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making this dish an excellent choice for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, wrap the chicken and green beans separately in freezer-friendly packaging to preserve texture and flavor. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if needed, then warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the oven. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the chicken tender and the green beans crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just steam or boil them according to package instructions before adding them to the skillet. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used. For added depth, a splash of white wine works nicely as well.

Is it necessary to bake the chicken after searing?

Baking after searing ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy inside without burning the outside. If you prefer, you can finish cooking it on the stovetop with a lid on, but baking gives the best consistent results.

Can I use other herbs instead of thyme?

Absolutely! Rosemary, oregano, or tarragon each bring their own wonderful notes and pair well with chicken and lemon. Feel free to experiment with what you have available.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about the bright flavors and juicy textures of the Garlic Lemon Chicken Breast with Green Beans Recipe that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to prepare, filled with fresh ingredients, and guaranteed to please any palate, it’s a recipe that I hope you will love as much as I do. So grab your skillet, and get ready to make your new favorite weeknight meal!

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