This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe with butter chicken recipe is especially health dinner. Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is your answer.
Perfect for busy parents, it combines tender chicken with a zesty, buttery sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
As a one-pan meal, it minimizes cleanup, leaving you more time with family. The bright lemon and rich garlic flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Let’s dive into this simple recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste to your weeknight table. Keep reading for easy steps and tips to make it your own!
Table Of Contents
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Busy parents need meals that are fast, tasty, and nutritious. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s a stress-free recipe that delivers big on flavor and convenience for hectic evenings.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal fits perfectly into tight schedules, leaving time for family moments.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in a single skillet, reducing dishes and making cleanup a breeze after a long day.
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The mild lemon and buttery taste appeal to picky eaters, ensuring everyone enjoys dinner.
- Nutritious Option: Packed with protein from chicken and customizable with veggies, it supports a balanced diet.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Here’s what you need to whip up this delicious dish. These everyday ingredients are easy to find and ensure a flavorful result for your family.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 lb green beans (trimmed, fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
Important Ingredient Notes:
• Use fresh lemon for the brightest flavor.
• Opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to have a tasty meal on the table in no time, even on the busiest nights.
Step 1: Preparation
Gather all ingredients and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Trim green beans if using fresh. This ensures quick, smooth cooking.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook Green Beans
In the same skillet, add green beans with a splash of water. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Season lightly with salt, then push to the side of the pan.
Step 4: Make Sauce & Finish
Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice and broth. Return chicken to the pan, simmer 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Expert Tips
These tips will help elevate your dish and make cooking even easier for busy parents.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Let chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without drying out.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick that complements the lemon.
No-Bake Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful dinner perfect for busy parents. It features tender chicken and green beans cooked in a zesty, buttery garlic sauce—all in under 30 minutes and in just one pan!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 lb green beans (trimmed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices for garnish
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add green beans to skillet with a splash of water. Cook 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Push to the side.
- Add butter and garlic to skillet. Stir 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and chicken broth.
- Return chicken to skillet. Simmer 3–5 minutes until heated through. Garnish with lemon slices.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Don’t overcook chicken—165°F (74°C) is ideal. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, or stir in cream for a richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Variations & Alternatives
Switch things up with these ideas to suit your family’s tastes or use what’s in your pantry.
- Different Protein: Swap chicken for turkey cutlets or firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Veggie Swap: Replace green beans with broccoli or asparagus. Both pair well with the buttery lemon sauce.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 2 tbsp of heavy cream at the end for a richer, silkier sauce texture.
What to Serve With It
Pair this dish with simple sides to complete your meal. Here are some family-friendly options.
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- Steamed Rice: Absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying for kids and adults alike.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting side that pairs well with the rich, buttery notes of the chicken dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the zesty sauce, adding a hearty touch to your dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is interesting about butter chicken?
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is fascinating due to its perfect balance of fresh, zesty lemon flavors and the rich, creamy texture of butter. This combo makes it light yet hearty. Inspired by various cuisines, it’s a unique fusion dish. Home cooks love its versatility with sides like rice or veggies.
What are the ingredients in lemon garlic butter chicken and green beans skillet?
For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with green beans, you’ll need chicken thighs or breasts, fresh green beans, butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest, chicken broth, and spices like salt, pepper, and optional paprika or thyme. These easy-to-find ingredients make a flavorful one-pan meal.
Why do people like butter chicken?
This dish is loved for its juicy chicken and rich, aromatic sauce. The lemon adds freshness, while garlic and butter bring depth and warmth. It’s simple for home cooks to recreate and pairs well with many sides like potatoes or veggies. Its elegant look feels gourmet.
What to marinate chicken in for butter chicken?
For this recipe, marinate chicken in lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optionally a bit of yogurt or honey. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2 hours, in the fridge. Home cooks can add herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
What is the secret to good butter chicken?
The secret to great Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken lies in quality ingredients and flavor balance. Use fresh lemon, garlic, and good butter for the sauce. Sear chicken at medium heat to keep it juicy. Don’t overcook the sauce to retain lemon freshness. A touch of cream adds richness.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a lifesaver for busy parents. With minimal prep and cleanup, it delivers a flavorful, nutritious meal that everyone will love.
Try this recipe tonight and see how easy weeknight dinners can be! Share your experience or any tweaks in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you.
