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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) When making Lemon Garlic Chicken & Green Beans Skillet, I focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They soak up the flavors well and stay juicy. Olive oil adds richness, while fresh green beans bring a nice crunch and bright color. I use garlic to give the dish a strong, aromatic kick. It combines well with the bright zest and juice of the lemon. Dried oregano adds a layer of depth and earthiness. This mix creates a wonderful balance of flavors. For seasoning, I add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Salt and pepper are essential to enhance the overall taste. Finally, I finish the dish with chopped fresh parsley, which adds freshness and a pop of color. This careful selection of ingredients makes the dish a delight to enjoy. {{ingredient_image_2}} How to Properly Season Chicken To get the best flavor, season the chicken well. Use salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle these on both sides of the chicken breasts. This helps each bite taste great. Importance of Even Coating Even coating matters. If you miss spots, some pieces will taste bland. Make sure every part of the chicken gets that tasty mix. Tips for Searing Heat olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers. Place the chicken in the hot oil carefully. Sear it for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This shows that the outside is crispy and tasty. Checking Chicken Doneness To know the chicken is done, check its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading. This way, you ensure it is safe to eat. Avoiding Burnt Garlic After cooking the chicken, lower the heat slightly. Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it for about 30 seconds. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the dish. Cooking Green Beans to Tender-Crisp Now, toss in the trimmed green beans. Cook them for 4-5 minutes. You want them bright and tender-crisp. This means they should still have a little bite. This texture adds a nice contrast to the chicken. - Best Practices for Skillet Cooking The skillet is your best friend for this dish. Start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers. This gives the chicken a nice sear. Searing locks in moisture. It also adds flavor. - How to Enhance Flavors with Cooking Methods To boost flavor, add garlic after the chicken. Let it cook just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Then, add green beans to the same skillet. This allows them to soak up the leftover chicken flavor and garlic. - Serving Suggestions For a beautiful display, use a shallow platter. Place the chicken and green beans in the center. Drizzle sauce over the top. Add lemon slices and parsley for color. This makes the dish pop and look fresh. - Plating Techniques Layer the chicken on top of the green beans. This keeps the chicken moist. Place parsley on top for a touch of green. A well-presented dish makes it more appetizing. - Customizing Seasoning Levels You can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, skip them. Taste before you serve. This ensures it meets your preferences. - Adding More Vegetables Feel free to add more vegetables. Carrots or bell peppers work well. Just chop them small. Add them with the green beans. This way, they cook at the same time. More veggies add color and nutrients to your dish. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and green beans. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more for an extra kick! Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute or add other fresh herbs like thyme or basil for additional layers of flavor in your chicken and green beans. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Tofu gives a nice texture and works well for a plant-based dish. Adjusting Cooking Times for Different Proteins: - Shrimp: Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. They turn pink when done. - Tofu: Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden and warm. Adding herbs or spices can change the dish. Try fresh basil or thyme for a new taste. A pinch of cumin can give a warm flavor twist. Experimenting with Citrus: - Besides lemon, you can use lime or orange. These fruits add a different zing. Just make sure to adjust the zest and juice amounts. You can use other veggies in this dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus work great. They add color and crunch. Cooking Times for Different Veggies: - Broccoli: Cook for 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender. - Bell Peppers: Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. - Asparagus: Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. How do you store leftovers? First, let the chicken and green beans cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the beans if you want to keep the flavors distinct. What containers do I recommend? Glass containers work best for storage. They do not absorb smells and help maintain flavor. Also, they are safe for the microwave and oven. Can you freeze this dish for later? Yes! First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It stays tasty for up to three months. How do you thaw safely? Move it to the fridge for about 24 hours before cooking. This helps keep the chicken moist and the beans crisp. What are the best methods for reheating? The oven is great for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and beans in a dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. How do you maintain flavor and texture? Add a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving. This brings back the zesty taste and keeps everything fresh. You can enjoy this dish with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Rice: White or brown rice pairs nicely. It soaks up the sauce well. - Quinoa: This grain adds protein and a nutty flavor. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the chicken and beans. - Salad: A fresh green salad brightens the meal. - Crusty Bread: Use it to scoop up the sauce. Each of these sides adds its own unique touch to the meal! Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here’s how: - Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Prep the Veggies: Trim green beans and store them in the fridge. - Make the Sauce: Mix lemon juice and garlic ahead and keep it ready. When you’re ready to eat, just heat everything together. It saves time and still tastes great! To keep your chicken tender, follow these tips: - Do Not Overcook: Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C) for the best texture. - Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside. - Even Searing: Make sure to sear both sides evenly for a nice brown crust. These steps will help you serve juicy chicken every time! This post covers making a tasty Lemon Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Skillet. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, olive oil, and green beans, plus flavor boosters and seasonings. I shared steps for perfect seasoning, cooking, and sautéing. You learned tips for easy cooking and great presentation. In the end, this dish is simple, flavorful, and customizable. You can adjust it to your tastes or add veggies. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!

Lemon Garlic Chicken & Green Beans Skillet

A flavorful and zesty chicken dish cooked with fresh green beans and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  • Using the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Toss the trimmed green beans into the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are vibrant in color and tender-crisp.
  • Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the green beans and stir in the lemon zest, mixing everything thoroughly.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the green beans. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving.

Notes

For an appealing display, serve the chicken and green beans on a large, shallow platter.
Keyword chicken, garlic, green beans, lemon, skillet