Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

Ah, Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans. Just the name conjures up images of bright, zesty flavors dancing on your palate, doesn’t it? In my kitchen, this dish is a true weeknight hero. It’s one of those recipes that manages to be both incredibly simple to throw together and utterly satisfying to eat. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and lemon filled the house, instantly making everyone hungry. Even my notoriously picky eater, my youngest, who usually shies away from anything green, devoured the green beans alongside the juicy, flavorful chicken. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. It’s become a regular in our rotation, often requested and always enjoyed. There’s something about the combination of the tangy lemon, pungent garlic, and tender chicken, all rounded out by crisp-tender green beans, that just works perfectly. It’s a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent, a true testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients. If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and sure to please the whole family, look no further. This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans is about to become your new go-to dinner.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: 2 pounds, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Choose breasts of similar size for even cooking.
• Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed and halved. Opt for firm, bright green beans for the best texture and flavor.
• Lemons: 2 large lemons, one juiced and one sliced. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the brightest, tangiest flavor.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is key for that robust garlic punch.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, extra virgin olive oil. A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps with browning.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Oregano adds a warm, slightly peppery note that complements the lemon and garlic.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Thyme brings an earthy, slightly minty flavor that enhances the overall herb profile.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for seasoning.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more vibrant flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon, for a touch of heat. Add a pinch if you like a subtle kick.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. Drying the surface of the chicken allows for better browning and prevents steaming in the pan. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl.
2. Make the Marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (from one lemon), minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all the spices are well combined and dispersed in the oil and lemon juice. This aromatic mixture will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the lemon-garlic marinade over the chicken breasts in the bowl. Toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated with the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken for a minute or two to help it penetrate the meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Longer marinating times allow the flavors to fully permeate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper prevents the chicken and green beans from sticking and makes washing up a breeze.
5. Arrange Chicken and Green Beans on Baking Sheet: Spread the trimmed and halved green beans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the green beans with a tablespoon of olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the green beans to coat them evenly with the oil and seasoning. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on the baking sheet alongside the green beans, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Place the lemon slices (from the remaining lemon) amongst the chicken and green beans. The lemon slices will roast and caramelize, adding a beautiful visual appeal and extra lemony flavor to the dish.
6. Bake the Chicken and Green Beans: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the green beans are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The green beans should be bright green and slightly tender but still retain a bit of snap. If you prefer more browned chicken and green beans, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and moist final product. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve: Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans immediately. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy dish!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, estimated, based on 4 servings)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 40-45g

Important Notes:

• Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
• For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
• This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and a good source of lean protein.

Preparation Time

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans recipe is incredibly convenient for busy weeknights! The active preparation time, including chopping vegetables, mincing garlic, and mixing the marinade, is approximately 15-20 minutes. Marinating time is at least 30 minutes, but can be extended to 2 hours for enhanced flavor. The baking time is around 20-25 minutes. Therefore, from start to finish, you can have this delicious and healthy meal on the table in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying dinner.

How to Serve

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate and satisfying dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Sides:
  • Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful lemon-garlic sauce.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and classic accompaniment.
  • Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes with herbs complement the chicken and green beans beautifully.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous is a quick and easy side that absorbs the flavors of the dish.
• Vegetable Sides:
  • Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
  • Roasted Asparagus: Roast asparagus alongside the chicken and green beans for an even more vegetable-packed meal.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity that complements the lemon and garlic.
  • Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli is another healthy and flavorful green vegetable that pairs well.
• Bread Options:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or baguette to mop up the delicious pan juices.
  • Garlic Bread: For an extra garlicky touch, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Plating Ideas:
  • Arrange the chicken breasts and green beans artfully on a platter or individual plates.
  • Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken and green beans for added flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Serve family-style on a large platter in the center of the table for a communal dining experience.

Additional Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

To elevate your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans to the next level and ensure perfect results every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Pound the Chicken Breasts Evenly: For uniform cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks through at the same rate and prevents dry edges while the center is still raw. Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
2. Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating enhances flavor, avoid over-marinating chicken in lemon juice for extended periods (more than 2 hours). The acidity in lemon juice can start to break down the chicken protein, leading to a mushy texture. Stick to the recommended marinating time for optimal results.
3. Use Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice and Minced Garlic: Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish. Bottled lemon juice and pre-minced garlic lack the bright, vibrant flavors of their fresh counterparts. Take the extra few minutes to juice the lemons and mince the garlic yourself for the best taste.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts and green beans on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, resulting in less browning and less crispy green beans. Use two baking sheets if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
5. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Seasoning is crucial for flavor. Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your preference. Remember that the flavors will intensify during cooking. You can also season the green beans separately before roasting.
6. Preheat the Baking Sheet (Optional for Extra Crispiness): For extra crispy green beans and nicely browned chicken, you can preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the chicken and green beans. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and quickly arrange the ingredients on it. This will give them a head start on browning.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure chicken is cooked through and safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should register 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.
8. Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): If you prefer a more browned and slightly crispy exterior on your chicken and green beans, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a very close eye on them while broiling to prevent burning, as broilers can heat up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

Q1: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

A: While fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. If using frozen green beans, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and add them to the baking sheet alongside the chicken. Frozen green beans may release more moisture, so they might not get as crispy as fresh green beans. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a richer, more flavorful option. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for ease of cooking and a similar cooking time to chicken breasts. Bone-in thighs will also work but may require slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 175°F (80°C) for optimal tenderness.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While best served fresh, you can prepare components of this recipe in advance. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also trim and halve the green beans ahead of time and store them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator. However, it’s recommended to bake the chicken and green beans just before serving for the best quality and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Q4: What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

A: This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to the baking sheet. Some great additions include:

• Asparagus: Adds a delicate, slightly bitter flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Roast alongside for sweetness and acidity.
• Bell Peppers (sliced): Adds sweetness and color.
• Onions (sliced): Caramelized onions provide depth of flavor.
• Broccoli or Broccoli Florets: Adds another healthy green vegetable.
• Carrots (sliced or baby carrots): Adds sweetness and a slightly earthy flavor.

Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the vegetables you add; denser vegetables like carrots may need slightly longer to cook than green beans.

Q5: Can I make this recipe on the grill instead of baking?

A: Yes, you can definitely grill the chicken and green beans. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Grill the green beans in a grill basket or directly on the grill grates (be mindful they can fall through) for about 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly charred. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the lemon and garlic beautifully.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

A: Yes, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free if necessary, although the listed ingredients are naturally free of gluten and dairy.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this dish?

A: While this recipe is delicious as is, you can certainly add cheese if you like. Feta cheese crumbles or grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the chicken and green beans during the last few minutes of baking can add a salty, savory element. Consider adding a light sprinkle rather than overloading with cheese to maintain the freshness of the dish.

Q8: What can I do with leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken and Green Beans?

A: Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken and Green Beans can be repurposed in various ways:

• Chicken Salad: Shred the leftover chicken and use it to make a lemon-garlic chicken salad, adding mayonnaise, celery, and onion.
• Chicken Wraps or Sandwiches: Slice or shred the chicken and use it in wraps or sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
• Pasta Dish: Toss leftover chicken and green beans with cooked pasta and a little extra olive oil or lemon juice for a quick pasta dish.
• Soup or Stew: Add diced chicken and green beans to chicken soup or vegetable stew for added protein and vegetables.
• Frittata or Omelette: Dice the chicken and green beans and add them to a frittata or omelette for a flavorful breakfast or brunch.

These FAQs and tips should help you confidently prepare and enjoy this delicious and versatile Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans recipe!

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