Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Green Beans and Lemon Butter Sauce
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts paired with smoky charred green beans tossed in a bright lemon butter sauce. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, trimmed green beans, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz, trimmed green beans
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Remove chicken and tent with foil.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 12 oz trimmed green beans. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until green beans develop charred spots and soften, about 6-7 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with green beans. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss to coat the green beans in the lemon butter sauce.
- Step 4: Plate the chicken breasts alongside the green beans, spooning any leftover lemon butter sauce from the skillet over the top. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Green Beans and Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Green Beans and Lemon Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Green Beans and Lemon Butter Sauce?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Green Beans and Lemon Butter Sauce 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Green Beans and Lemon Butter Sauce?
General chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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