“`html
If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, this Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Lemon, Garlic, and Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection mingle with crisp-tender green beans in a buttery, garlicky sauce brightened by fresh lemon juice and given a kick from spicy hot sauce. It’s an exciting yet approachable dish that brings together freshness, heat, and richness on one plate, making every bite irresistible and perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly effective in crafting a dish full of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the savory chicken thighs to the crisp green beans, and the punchy spices that bring everything to life.
- 3 – 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for their tenderness and rich flavor that stays juicy through cooking.
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed: Fresh green beans add a wonderful crunch and vibrant color to the skillet.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter provides a luscious base for cooking, and using ghee is a great paleo-friendly alternative.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth that complements the chicken and green beans beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of earthiness that enhances the chicken’s seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This boosts savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and highlighting the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a fresh, mild heat and pungency to the dish.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices for garnish: Lemon juice brightens the skillet with vibrant acidity, cutting through the richness.
- 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock: Chicken stock deepens the sauce and keeps it flavorful and moist.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha): Provides a spicy kick that livens up the whole dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who loves extra heat, this is the perfect addition.
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and a pop of green, balancing the heat and richness.
How to Make Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Lemon, Garlic, and Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice, golden crust when cooking. Mix onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub this seasoning blend generously onto each chicken thigh. Set them aside while you prepare the green beans, allowing the spices to adhere and build flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
Place the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with about half a cup of water. Microwave them for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re almost tender but still maintain a crisp bite. This step ensures they’ll finish cooking perfectly in the skillet without turning mushy.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down (or the presentation side if skinless) and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and caramelized. Flip and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken to a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Garlic, Lemon, and Spicy Sauce
Lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, hot sauce, and optional crushed red chili flakes, allowing the aromas to bloom. Add the partially cooked green beans and fresh parsley, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes while stirring regularly to coat everything in the flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Stock
Pour in the lemon juice and chicken stock. Let the mixture simmer and reduce slightly for a few minutes, intensifying the flavors and thickening the sauce just a touch. This step brings a lively brightness and savory depth that perfectly balances the dish.
Step 6: Combine and Heat Through
Push the green beans to the side of the skillet, nestle the chicken back in, and quickly reheat it all together for a minute or two. Taste and adjust your seasoning with salt, pepper, or more hot sauce if you desire. Serve warm with optional fresh parsley, lemon slices, and extra chili flakes on top.
How to Serve Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Lemon, Garlic, and Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten each serving with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a refreshing touch of color and flavor. For those who crave extra heat, sprinkle a bit more crushed red chili pepper or drizzle additional hot sauce right at the table. Garnishes not only elevate the presentation but allow everyone to customize their experience.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. The flavorful sauce from the skillet makes a fantastic spoonful over whatever side you choose, turning it into a satisfying feast with minimal effort.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, inviting vibe. Alternatively, plate the chicken atop a bed of seasoned quinoa or couscous to soak up all that zesty sauce. For a low-carb twist, try serving over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Lemon, Garlic, and Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that green beans may lose some crispness upon thawing but will still taste fantastic when reheated in a skillet.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the chicken’s moisture and re-crisp the green beans slightly. You can also microwave if short on time, but add a splash of chicken stock or water to keep everything from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted but be mindful that they cook faster and may dry out more easily, so watch your cooking time carefully and consider marinating to retain moisture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to create a flavorful vegetarian twist on this skillet dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat is adjustable—you can keep the hot sauce and chili flakes to a minimum for a mild kick or increase them for a more pronounced spicy flavor that will really wake up your taste buds.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and green beans ahead of time and simply reheat before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What type of hot sauce works best?
Sriracha is a popular and flavorful choice, but feel free to use any hot sauce you enjoy. Each will add its unique character, so pick one that suits your heat preference and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Lemon, Garlic, and Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress. It’s a wonderful balance of fresh, spicy, and savory flavors that come together with minimal fuss. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every flavorful bite as much as I do!
“`
Print
Chicken and Green Beans Skillet with Lemon, Garlic, and Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Chicken and Green Beans Skillet recipe is a flavorful, quick, and easy one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy seasoned chicken thighs are pan-seared to golden perfection and combined with tender green beans sautéed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a hint of heat from hot sauce and chili flakes. The dish finishes with a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley for brightness, creating a delicious and balanced meal that’s both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for paleo diet)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then combine the onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over the chicken thighs and set aside.
- Precook the Green Beans: Arrange the trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with 1/2 cup of water. Microwave for 8-10 minutes until they are almost done but still retain a crisp texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Green Beans with Flavors: In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped parsley, minced garlic, hot sauce, and crushed red chili flakes if using, then add the pre-cooked green beans. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly to combine all the flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the lemon juice and chicken stock into the skillet with the green beans. Allow the sauce to reduce for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Reheat: Push the green beans to the side of the skillet and return the cooked chicken to the pan to reheat quickly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and green beans warm, garnished with additional crushed chili pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and lemon slices if desired. Enjoy your flavorful skillet meal!
Notes
- Microwaving the green beans before sautéing helps retain their crispness while ensuring they are cooked through quickly.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a nice golden crust on the chicken for added flavor.
- You can substitute butter with ghee to make this recipe paleo-friendly.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
