This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders and Green Beans skillet is the perfect one-pan weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken tenders are seasoned with bold spices and seared until golden, then tossed in a rich lemony garlic butter sauce with tender-crisp green beans. It’s a fast, flavorful, and satisfying low-carb meal you’ll want to add to your rotation—ready in under 30 minutes!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips

• 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided (or ghee for paleo)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• Juice of ½ lemon + lemon slices for garnish

• ½ cup (125ml) chicken stock

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup fresh chopped parsley

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken tenders generously and set aside.

2. Microwave the green beans with ½ cup water in a microwave-safe dish for 8–10 minutes, until almost tender but still crisp.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

4. In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add garlic, chopped parsley, hot sauce, chili flakes, and the pre-cooked green beans. Stir and cook for 4–5 minutes.

5. Pour in lemon juice and chicken stock. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.

6. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Reheat briefly, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with more parsley, chili flakes, and lemon slices. Serve hot.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate, serves 4)

• Calories: 385 kcal

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 21g

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 480mg

Why Chicken Tenders Make This Recipe Shine

Chicken tenders are a popular choice for a reason. They cook quickly, stay juicy, and are easy to season. Unlike full chicken breasts, tenders are thin and uniform in size, which ensures they cook evenly in the skillet. When seared properly, they develop a golden crust on the outside while remaining tender and succulent on the inside. In this recipe, the tenders absorb the bold spice blend and lemon garlic butter sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Green Beans for a Nutritious, Crisp Contrast

Green beans are the perfect companion to the chicken tenders in this recipe. They bring color, crunch, and a touch of natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and the tanginess of the lemon. Lightly pre-cooked to retain their bite, the beans are then tossed in the skillet with garlic and spices until tender-crisp. They soak up the pan juices and become a flavor-packed side that doesn’t need anything extra to shine. Green beans are also a great source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, making this dish as nourishing as it is tasty.

Lemon and Garlic: The Flavor Duo That Never Fails

The combination of lemon and garlic is a timeless culinary classic. In this dish, freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire skillet, cutting through the richness of the butter and lifting the flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Garlic adds warmth, depth, and a little punch that enhances every ingredient it touches. When simmered together with butter and chicken stock, the sauce becomes silky, aromatic, and packed with character. It’s the kind of simple yet impactful flavor base that turns everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

The Magic of Butter in a Skillet Meal

Butter is more than just a fat in this recipe—it’s the heart of the sauce and the element that brings everything together. Starting with butter to sear the chicken adds richness and helps develop that irresistible golden crust. Later, melting more butter with garlic and parsley creates the base for a velvety pan sauce that coats every bite of chicken and green beans. The butter also carries the flavor of the spices, chili flakes, and lemon, ensuring that every forkful delivers a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and bright.

Customizable Heat and Bold Seasoning

A dash of hot sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes give this dish a subtle kick that elevates the overall flavor without making it overwhelmingly spicy. This little bit of heat complements the garlic and lemon beautifully and brings a modern twist to classic flavors. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can easily omit the chili flakes or use a milder hot sauce. On the flip side, if you like things bolder, add extra heat or throw in a few sliced chili peppers. The seasoning blend is adaptable to any palate, making this a dish you can personalize every time you make it.

Perfectly Balanced Macros for a Healthy Lifestyle

With high protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrates, this chicken and green bean skillet is ideal for a variety of dietary goals. Whether you’re eating low-carb, keto, paleo, or simply trying to cut back on processed foods, this dish fits right in. Each serving offers over 40 grams of protein to keep you full and energized, along with healthy fats from butter or ghee and the fiber-rich benefits of fresh green beans. It’s a clean, whole-food meal that leaves you satisfied without weighing you down.

One Skillet, No Hassle, Easy Cleanup

One-pan meals are always a win, especially when they deliver this much flavor and satisfaction. Cooking everything in one skillet means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. It also allows the ingredients to share and absorb each other’s flavors, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final dish. This method makes dinner prep feel less like a chore and more like a seamless, enjoyable process. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this one-skillet recipe makes clean-up quick and easy.

Meal Prep and Leftover Friendly

This recipe is an excellent option for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully and stays flavorful for days, making it ideal for packed lunches or ready-to-go dinners. The chicken stays juicy even after being refrigerated, and the green beans maintain enough texture to feel freshly cooked. Store it in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken stock or lemon juice to freshen up the sauce. It’s a practical solution for anyone who wants to eat healthy without sacrificing taste throughout the week.

Great for All Ages and Dietary Preferences

This dish is universally appealing. Its bold but balanced flavor makes it a hit with both adults and kids. The tender chicken and mild green beans are approachable even for picky eaters, while the lemon-garlic sauce adds enough depth to keep more adventurous palates interested. You can keep the recipe mild for family dinners or spice it up for adult gatherings. It’s also easy to adapt for dairy-free diets by using ghee or olive oil in place of butter, and the use of gluten-free spices and chicken stock makes it naturally gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While this skillet meal is complete on its own, it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for added texture and satisfaction. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the butter sauce, while roasted potatoes or garlic bread make it a heartier option for bigger appetites. The versatility of this recipe means you can dress it up or keep it simple, depending on your mood and the occasion.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders and Green Beans is the kind of weeknight dinner that earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s fast, flavorful, and nourishing, all while coming together in one pan with easy-to-find ingredients. The balance of tender chicken, crisp green beans, zesty lemon, and savory garlic butter sauce makes it both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to make dinner a little easier, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s a modern classic that proves simple ingredients, cooked well, can create something truly unforgettable.