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Quick Lemon Herb Chicken with Green Beans

quick lemon herb chicken - featured image

A fast and flavorful 25-minute dinner featuring juicy lemon herb chicken paired with crisp-tender green beans. Perfect for busy weeknights with simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 large fresh lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim the green beans by snapping off the ends. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley and thyme, and zest and juice the lemon. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest. Rub it in gently.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter. Once the butter melts and foams, add the chicken breasts carefully.
  4. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it to form a golden crust. Flip and cook another 4 minutes on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the chicken and transfer to a plate. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
  6. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Toss in the green beans and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant green, stirring frequently.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and thyme over the green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook for another minute.
  8. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet with the green beans for 1-2 minutes to warm through. Serve with pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for a good sear. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Butterfly thick chicken breasts for even cooking. Frozen green beans can be used if thawed and dried.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, green beans, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, healthy chicken, low carb, gluten free