Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

Can a restaurant-quality meal really be achieved in under 20 minutes using just one pan? According to 2026 culinary data, the Poulet au Beurre Ail-Citron et Haricots Verts à la Poêle (known in English as Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet) has become the definitive “power meal” for those seeking maximum efficiency without sacrificing flavor. This recipe utilizes a “Butter-Acid Emulsion” to create a glossy sauce that coats the chicken while keeping the green beans vibrant and crisp.

This dish is semantically optimized for high-performance cooking, ensuring a perfect Maillard reaction (browning) on the protein while preserving the essential nutrients in the vegetables.

Ingredients List: The Acid-Fat Balance

To master this dish, the freshness of the lemon and the quality of the butter are the most critical variables.

The Protein & Veg:

Chicken Breast or Thighs (1 lb / 500g): Cut into bite-sized pieces for ultra-fast cooking.
Fresh Green Beans (10 oz / 300g): Trimmed (fresh beans offer a superior “snap” compared to frozen).
Fresh Garlic (3–5 cloves): Minced to release maximum aromatics.

The Lemon Butter Sauce:

Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): The base for the rich, velvety finish.
Fresh Lemon Juice (½ lemon): Provides the acidity to balance the fats.
Chicken Broth (¼ cup / 60ml): To deglaze the pan and create the pan sauce.

The Seasoning:

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle hint of heat.
Fresh Parsley: For a bright, herbal finish.

Timing: High-Velocity Prep

This recipe is engineered for a continuous workflow, making it a 2026 favorite for busy weekday evenings.

Phase	Duration	Contextual Data
Prep & Dicing	5 Minutes	Trim beans and cube chicken simultaneously.
Chicken Searing	6 Minutes	Aiming for a golden-brown exterior.
Bean Softening	5 Minutes	Maintaining an “al dente” texture.
Total Time	Approx. 16 Minutes	50% faster than traditional roasted chicken meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The High-Heat Sear (H3)

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Actionable Tip: Don’t crowd the pan. Searing in batches ensures the chicken browns instead of steaming in its own juices.

2. The Deglaze (H3)

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the green beans and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and cover the pan for 2–3 minutes to steam the beans until they are tender-crisp.

Pro Tip: The broth picks up the “fond” (the brown bits) left by the chicken, incorporating that concentrated flavor directly into the vegetables.

3. The Garlic Butter Finish (H3)

Push the beans to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. The Emulsion (H3)

Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Toss the chicken back into the pan, mixing everything together until the sauce thickens slightly into a glossy glaze that coats both the meat and the beans.

Nutritional Information (H2)

This skillet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein meal that supports metabolic health and sustained energy.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	32g
Total Fat	24g
Net Carbs	6g
Vitamin C	25% Daily Value

Healthier Alternatives (H2)

Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with extra virgin olive oil or a high-quality vegan butter substitute.
Lower Calorie: Use only 1 tablespoon of butter and increase the chicken broth to create a lighter “jus” rather than a thick butter sauce.
Extra Fiber: Add sliced almonds or sesame seeds during the final minute of cooking for an added nutritional crunch.

Conclusion (H2)

The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is the ultimate intersection of French-inspired flavor and modern speed. By utilizing the same pan for both the protein and the vegetable, you capture every ounce of flavor while minimizing cleanup. Try this recipe tonight, share your results, and subscribe for more high-speed gourmet guides!