Crisp-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection with a bright lemon-garlic herb finish, paired with tender-crisp green beans. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, (zested and juiced) lemon, (minced) garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add green beans and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, add lemon zest, juice, and thyme, then simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crisp-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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