Garlic-Butter Chicken with Crispy Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1½ poundschicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1½ poundsgreen beans
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 3 tablespoonsbutter
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1lemon
- ½ teaspoonsalt
- ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 02
Trim the ends off 1.5 pounds green beans.
- 03
Cut 1 lemon in half.
Method
- 01
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
- 02
Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate.
- 03
In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the green beans, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and the red pepper flakes.
- 04
Toss the green beans to coat in the butter and garlic, then cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp and starting to char at the edges.
- 05
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Squeeze the lemon juice over everything and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For deeper warmth, bump the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. A pinch of smoked paprika added with the garlic brings earthiness. Fresh thyme or oregano scattered in during the last minute add brightness.
This comes together in 20 minutes flat. The green beans char slightly in the butter, giving them a nutty edge — don't stir them too often. You can swap in chicken thighs (add 2–3 minutes cooking time) or use a 2-pound package of trimmed frozen green beans to save even more prep time.