**Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet Recipe**
** Servings: 4-6**
**Ingredients:**
**For the Chicken:**
* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
* 2 lemons, juiced (about 4 tablespoons)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper, to taste
**For the Green Beans:**
* 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
**Other ingredients:**
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
* Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Prepare the Garlic Butter**: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
2. **Season the Chicken**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Cook the Green Beans**: In the same skillet, add the olive oil and green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
5. **Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce**: Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic butter to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter has melted and the sauce is fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. **Add the Chicken and Green Beans**: Add the cooked chicken and green beans back to the skillet. Toss to coat with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
7. **Serve**: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the dish more substantial, add 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper or 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the green beans.
* For a spicy kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
* Substitute 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley or basil for the thyme for a different herb flavor.
* Use chicken breasts or thighs of different marinades, such as Italian seasoning or Cajun spices, for a different flavor profile.
* Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the garlic butter sauce for a saucier dish.
* Serve with crusty bread or over rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
* For a one-skillet dinner, cook 1 cup of diced potatoes, such as Yukon gold or Russet, with the green beans for a hearty side dish.
**Other Versions:**
* **Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Skillet**: Substitute 1 cup of broccoli florets for the green beans and add 1/4 cup of white wine to the garlic butter sauce.
* **Lemon Butter Chicken and Asparagus Skillet**: Substitute 1 pound of fresh asparagus spears for the green beans and add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce.
* **Chipotle Chicken and Green Beans Skillet**: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a smoky heat.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken And Green Beans Skillet!