Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Green Bean Skillet is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is juicy and tender, while the green beans remain crisp and fresh, all enveloped in a flavorful garlic butter sauce that brings everything together. It’s a simple, yet satisfying dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. Plus, the one-pan nature of this recipe means minimal cleanup, making it even more convenient for busy nights. Healthy, tasty, and easy to prepare – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added brightness)
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or rosemary. Set aside.
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Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the green beans: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown slightly.
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Deglaze the pan: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir well to combine.
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Combine chicken and beans: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and nestle it among the green beans. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the green beans are tender.
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Finish and serve: If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish to add a touch of brightness. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add potatoes: For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes to the skillet with the green beans and cook them until golden and tender.
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Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili powder to the seasoning mix to add a bit of heat.
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Other vegetables: Feel free to swap the green beans for other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
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Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the chicken and green beans just before serving.
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Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano for different flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe as well. They will be slightly juicier and require a bit more cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and green beans in advance, store them in separate containers, and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dish without the chicken?
Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet pairs well with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.
Can I make this recipe in a different pan?
If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use a wok or a sauté pan with a lid to make this dish.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and consider covering the skillet while the chicken rests in the sauce.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to allow for the bones to cook through.
Conclusion
Chicken and Green Bean Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crisp, perfectly cooked green beans in a savory garlic butter sauce. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s the perfect go-to dinner for busy nights. Whether you’re looking for a light, healthy meal or just something quick and delicious, this one-pan dish will definitely satisfy your cravings.
PrintChicken and Green Bean Skillet
Chicken and Green Bean Skillet is a simple, flavorful, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with crisp green beans in a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy and satisfying dish is quick to prepare with minimal cleanup, making it a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a delicious and nutritious dinner.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added brightness)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or rosemary. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown slightly.
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Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir well to combine.
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Combine Chicken and Beans: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and nestle it among the green beans. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the green beans are tender.
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Finish and Serve: If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish to add a touch of brightness. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
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Add potatoes: For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes to the skillet with the green beans and cook them until golden and tender.
-
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili powder to the seasoning mix to add a bit of heat.
-
Other vegetables: Feel free to swap the green beans for other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.