Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken in a single layer; sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms, then toss and cook until just opaque.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the green beans and stir for 2 minutes until they start to blister.
- Pour in the water or broth and immediately cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the lid and push the beans to the side of the pan.
- Add the minced garlic to the center and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the chicken and its accumulated juices to the pan.
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the cold cubed butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Toss constantly until the butter melts into a velvety sauce that coats everything, then garnish with fresh parsley.