Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is a simple, flavorful dinner recipe that comes together in one skillet with tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly seasoned green beans. This comforting meal is packed with savory flavors, fresh ingredients, and wholesome goodness, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup
- Juicy and tender chicken every time
- Fresh green beans cooked with garlic and Italian herbs
- Family-friendly and naturally gluten-free
- Perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners
- Rich garlic butter flavor with bright lemon freshness
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied into 4 pieces
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
For the Green Beans
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 lemon, divided
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly the chicken breasts into 4 thinner cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes without moving it. Flip and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add thyme and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Green Beans
In another skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add green beans, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Pour in water and immediately cover the skillet. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the lid and squeeze half the lemon over the green beans for a fresh burst of flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce and spoon the garlic sauce over the top. Serve hot alongside the green beans with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use thin chicken cutlets for faster cooking.
- Fresh thyme adds the best flavor, but dried thyme works well too.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a golden sear.
- Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- For extra richness, stir a tablespoon of cream into the sauce.
- Trim green beans evenly so they cook consistently.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Gluten-Free Friendly
Notes
- Swap green beans with asparagus or broccoli if preferred.
- Boneless chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work well. Reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster.
How do I keep chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
Can I make Garlic Chicken and Green Beans ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe reheats beautifully and is excellent for meal prep.
What can I serve with this recipe?
Rice, pasta, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread pair perfectly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, place cooled chicken and green beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts butterflied into 4 pieces
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme finely chopped
For the Green Beans
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 lemon divided
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breasts into 4 thinner cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes without moving it. Flip and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add thyme and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Green Beans
- In another skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add green beans, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Pour in water and immediately cover the skillet. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and squeeze half the lemon over the green beans for a fresh burst of flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce and spoon the garlic sauce over the top. Serve hot alongside the green beans with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Swap green beans with asparagus or broccoli if preferred.
- Boneless chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is the perfect combination of comforting flavors and easy preparation. The juicy chicken, rich garlic sauce, and tender green beans create a satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.