Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is the most critical step for achieving a golden sear. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear without moving for 5-7 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans
In the same skillet (do not wipe it out!), reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter. Once melted, add the trimmed green beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes. You want them to blister in spots and become tender-crisp, but still retain a bright green color and a snap. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the green beans to the plate with the chicken.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced or sliced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, or just until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it brown or it will turn bitter.

Step 5: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan. Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by about half. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and thyme.

Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet, nestling the breasts into the sauce. Arrange the green beans around the chicken. Spoon the sauce over everything. Let it all heat through for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using cream or crème fraîche, stir it in now for a slightly richer, cohesive sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately directly from the skillet, ensuring each plate gets a chicken breast, a heap of green beans, and plenty of that glorious garlic butter sauce.