Go Back

Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is an easy one-pan dinner recipe.Juicy chicken is cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with seasoned green beans.Perfect for busy weeknights and healthy family meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American

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.