Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, cozy weeknight meal that’s as simple as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Garlic Chicken and Green Beans! Juicy, pan-seared chicken smothered in a garlicky thyme sauce and served with tender, lemony green beans—every bite is pure comfort food with a fresh, vibrant twist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Chicken and Green Beans recipe proves that simple pantry staples can become something truly crave-worthy. Each ingredient brings essential flavor, color, or texture—don’t skip a single one for the full, mouthwatering effect!

• Chicken breasts: Butterflied for even, speedy cooking and tender, juicy bites every time.
• Salt & pepper: The foundation of any good seasoning—don’t be shy, this brings out every other flavor.
• Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden, flavorful crust as it cooks.
• Butter: Used in both the sauce and the beans, it adds richness and that irresistible silky finish.
• Onion: Sautéed onion brings gentle sweetness and depth to the pan sauce.
• Garlic: The absolute star—double doses in both chicken and veggies for tons of flavor.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the delicious, savory backbone of the chicken’s sauce and helps keep things light.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the sauce clings beautifully to every bite without being too heavy.
• Fresh thyme (or dried thyme/poultry seasoning): Earthy and aromatic, a little goes a long way in brightening the dish.
• Fresh green beans: Their natural crunch and color add freshness and balance.
• Italian seasoning: Italian herbs complement the garlic and round out the flavor of the green beans.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Add subtle heat—totally up to you depending on your spice preference!
• Water: Helps steam the beans to bright-tender perfection.
• Lemon: A squeeze and some wedges bring a vibrant, tangy finish to the whole plate.

Variations

The beauty of Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is how easily you can make it your own, depending on what’s in your fridge or your family’s preferences! Here are a few delicious ways to switch things up.

• Swap the protein: Try boneless thighs, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a different take.
• Add more veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
• Go gluten-free or dairy-free: Use olive oil only or a plant-based butter to keep things dairy-free.
• Punch up the spice: Stir in a bit of smoked paprika or a pinch more red pepper flakes if you love a kick.

How to Make Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Butterfly your chicken breasts into four even pieces to help them cook quickly and stay juicy. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels, then season generously on both sides with salt and pepper—this is your flavor base, so don’t hold back!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in one layer—no crowding, please! Let them cook without moving for about 4 minutes to develop that gorgeous golden crust, then flip and cook until beautifully browned and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes more). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Garlicky Pan Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in your butter and swirl it around. Sauté chopped onion until soft, golden, and sweet. Add minced garlic, letting it sizzle just until fragrant (about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!). Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in thyme and simmer to concentrate all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Green Beans

While the sauce simmers, heat a separate pan with butter and quickly sauté garlic for the beans. Toss in the green beans with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water and cover to steam the beans gently, stirring occasionally. They’ll become bright, tender, and perfectly seasoned in just about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When the sauce is ready, whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl, then stir it into the skillet for a touch of gloss and body. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce on top, and let everything simmer together for a minute or two. Squeeze half a lemon over the green beans, toss gently, and serve it all hot with extra lemon wedges on the side for that irresistible fresh finish. That’s the magic of homemade Garlic Chicken and Green Beans!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken and Green Beans

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top makes Garlic Chicken and Green Beans feel like a bistro-worthy dinner. A final squeeze of lemon juice or a few extra lemon wedges on the plate also add a beautiful, fragrant finish.

Side Dishes

This lively main dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a warm crusty baguette—anything that helps mop up every last drop of that garlicky sauce! For something lighter, a tossed green salad or roasted new potatoes are always welcome additions.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Garlic Chicken and Green Beans family-style on a big platter for easy sharing at the table, or plate each portion with the chicken fanned out over the beans for a restaurant-style look. For a fun twist, slice the chicken and tuck it into grain bowls with the beans, sauce, and your favorite cooked grains!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Chicken and Green Beans keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and beans together or separately, and spoon some sauce over everything to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. While the chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 2 months, green beans might lose a bit of their vibrant texture, so keep that in mind when reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Chicken and Green Beans gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave also works in a pinch—just be sure to cover and heat in short bursts so the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, vibrant, and a little bit special with hardly any fuss, give Garlic Chicken and Green Beans a try. It’s the kind of dish that turns any night into a celebration—and I just know it’ll become a cherished favorite at your table. Enjoy every zesty, garlicky bite!

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