Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful, comforting, and easy to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a savory garlic herb sauce and paired with buttery green beans for a wholesome meal the entire family will enjoy. This Garlic Chicken and Green Beans recipe comes together in one cooking session and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy for busy weeknights
- Packed with garlic, herbs, and savory flavor
- Family-friendly and budget-conscious
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Balanced meal with protein and vegetables
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Naturally gluten-free with a simple cornstarch sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied into 4 pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped, or ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 lemon, divided
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and butterfly them into four thinner pieces. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
- Add the chicken and cook without moving for 4 minutes. Flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add thyme and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the green beans. Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
- Melt the butter and add garlic. 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 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and squeeze juice from half the lemon over the green beans. Stir and remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry into the chicken sauce and mix until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the Garlic Chicken and Green Beans together with lemon wedges from the remaining half lemon.
Tips & Tricks
- Butterflying the chicken helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Add mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth.
- Fresh thyme provides brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well too.
- Avoid overcooking green beans to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream to the sauce.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free Friendly, High Protein
Notes
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter finish.
- Substitute asparagus or broccoli for green beans if desired.
- Increase red pepper flakes for additional heat.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I make Garlic Chicken and Green Beans ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the recipe completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Frozen green beans work well, though they may require slightly less cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. Garlic Chicken and Green Beans reheats beautifully and makes an excellent lunch or dinner prep option.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, roasted potatoes, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a fresh side salad pair perfectly.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is an easy skillet dinner.Tender chicken is simmered in a savory garlic herb sauce.Served with buttery green beans and fresh lemon.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts butterflied into 4 pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme finely chopped, or ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 lemon divided
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and butterfly them into four thinner pieces. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
- Add the chicken and cook without moving for 4 minutes. Flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add thyme and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the green beans. Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
- Melt the butter and add garlic. 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 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and squeeze juice from half the lemon over the green beans. Stir and remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry into the chicken sauce and mix until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the Garlic Chicken and Green Beans together with lemon wedges from the remaining half lemon.
Notes
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter finish.
- Substitute asparagus or broccoli for green beans if desired.
- Increase red pepper flakes for additional heat.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken and Green Beans recipe proves that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal. Juicy chicken, buttery green beans, and a savory garlic herb sauce come together in a dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Keep this recipe in your rotation whenever you need a dependable, flavorful dinner everyone will love.