If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require a sink full of dishes, this Lemon Garlic Chicken & Green Beans is the perfect recipe. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a buttery lemon garlic sauce and roasted alongside crisp green beans for a meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to make again and again.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. If your family loves potatoes, you can roast some alongside the chicken. If you’re trying to add a few more vegetables to your week, simply serve it with extra green beans or a side salad. It’s an easy way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful dinner while sticking to your grocery budget.
Whether you’re meal planning for the week or need something quick after work, this recipe comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan = easy cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Naturally lower in carbohydrates
- Family-friendly
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- If using potatoes, toss them with the olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Spread them on a large baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Season the chicken with the remaining Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side (if using), then add the chicken and green beans.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter evenly over everything, making sure the chicken and green beans are coated.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the green beans are tender.
- Spoon the buttery pan juices over the chicken before serving and garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Budget Tip
Chicken thighs are often less expensive than chicken breasts and stay extra juicy in this recipe. If lemons are pricey, bottled lemon juice works well in a pinch—just add a little extra garlic for even more flavor.
Easy Variations
- Swap the green beans for broccoli or asparagus when they’re on sale.
- Add mushrooms or sliced onions to the pan.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan during the last few minutes of baking.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! There’s no need to thaw them first. They may release a little extra moisture, but they’ll still taste great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can season the chicken and prepare the lemon garlic butter a day in advance to make dinner even quicker.
What should I serve with this?
Roasted baby potatoes, rice, a simple salad, or crusty bread are all great options. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, it’s delicious just as it is.
More Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas
If you’re looking for easy dinners made with simple ingredients, you’ve come to the right place! My goal is to help families enjoy homemade meals without spending a fortune, and recipes like this Lemon Garlic Chicken & Green Beans make that possible.
Lemon Garlic Chicken & Green Beans
Description
Creamy Parmesan Spinach Chicken Pasta is an easy weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
-
If using potatoes, toss them with the olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Spread them on a large baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
-
Season the chicken with the remaining Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
-
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side (if using), then add the chicken and green beans.
-
Pour the lemon garlic butter evenly over everything, making sure the chicken and green beans are coated.
-
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the green beans are tender.
-
Spoon the buttery pan juices over the chicken before serving and garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Note
Swap the green beans for broccoli or asparagus when they're on sale.
Add mushrooms or sliced onions to the pan.
Sprinkle with Parmesan during the last few minutes of baking.
Use boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor.
The directions on this one seem to be to the pasta dish?
I just fixed it, thank you for letting me know!
This looks great and I want to make it this weekend, but it looks like the description and instructions are for another recipe. Just wanted to let you know
Thank you so much for catching this! I just fixed it 🙂