Garlic-Butter Chicken with Charred Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1½ poundchicken breast
- ·green beans
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 2 tablespoonunsalted butter
- ·kosher salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 02
Cut 1 lemon in half for juicing.
- 03
Trim ends from green beans (about 1 pound).
Method
- 01
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- 02
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place chicken in the pan and cook 6–7 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden. Flip and cook 5–6 minutes more until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
- 03
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add green beans in a single layer and let them sit undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until charred on one side. Stir, then cook another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 04
Push green beans to the edge of the pan. Add butter and minced garlic to the center, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Toss the green beans with the garlic butter.
- 05
Slice the chicken and arrange on a plate with the green beans. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Spice Tips
For extra brightness, add a squeeze of white wine or a splash of chicken broth to the pan after cooking the garlic. A pinch more red pepper flakes brings gentle heat. Fresh thyme or parsley scattered at the end adds herbal depth.
The recipe works equally well with chicken thighs if you prefer; add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time. Leftovers store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.