Skillet Chicken and Green Beans

If you’re searching for a quick, nutritious, and scrumptious meal that will delight your taste buds, look no further than this Skillet Chicken and Green Beans recipe. This dish is not only vibrant and flavorful, but it is also a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just one skillet. Perfectly seasoned chicken thighs or breasts are seared to golden perfection, paired with fresh green beans, and finished in a delightful garlic and butter sauce. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it!

Reasons to Love Skillet Chicken and Green Beans

This Skillet Chicken and Green Beans dish is a winning combination for many reasons.

– **Quick and Easy**: It takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
– **Healthy Ingredients**: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this meal is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
– **One-Pan Wonder**: Who doesn’t love a meal that requires minimal cleanup? This recipe is cooked entirely in one skillet, making it a breeze to whip up and clean up afterward.
– **Versatile**: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite spices or additional vegetables, making it suitable for any palate.
– **Flavorful**: The combination of spices and the addition of garlic create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.

Shopping List

To make this Skillet Chicken and Green Beans, gather the following ingredients:

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon EACH of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH of salt and pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha or sweet chili sauce (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or juice of 1 lemon

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet is best for even cooking.
• Spatula or Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken and stirring the green beans.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping garlic and trimming green beans.
• Measuring Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of spices and liquids.
• Serving Platter: For an elegant presentation when serving.

Skillet Chicken and Green Beans Made Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot, then add the seasoned chicken to the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans

In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the trimmed green beans. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Stock

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and add the lemon juice. This will create a flavorful sauce that coats the green beans.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. If using, drizzle the Sriracha or sweet chili sauce and sprinkle in the crushed red chili pepper flakes for an added kick. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is heated through and well combined, serve your Skillet Chicken and Green Beans warm. Enjoy each bite of this delicious, hearty meal!

Tailor It to Your Diet

This Skillet Chicken and Green Beans recipe is easy to customize based on your dietary needs. Here are some suggestions:

• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and green beans alone or with a side salad for a low-carb meal.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, seasoned and cooked similarly.
• Spicy Kick: Add more Sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the skillet for more color and nutrients.

Errors to Dodge

When preparing your Skillet Chicken and Green Beans, keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure a perfect dish:

• Overcrowding the Skillet: Cooking too many chicken pieces at once can lead to steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the spices. Properly seasoning your chicken is key to a flavorful dish.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Having everything chopped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
• Underestimating Cooking Time: Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this Skillet Chicken and Green Beans holds up well in the fridge. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, pop it in the microwave or back into a skillet on medium heat until warmed through. This dish also works beautifully for meal prep: portion it out into containers for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What should I do if my chicken is not browning?

If your chicken isn’t browning, ensure that your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent browning.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

Yes! You can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet to avoid excess water in the pan.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check the chicken stock label to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the chicken and green beans in advance, but it’s best to cook and serve them fresh to maintain the best texture. You can marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor.

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the tools and knowledge to create this delightful Skillet Chicken and Green Beans dish, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy the vibrant flavors that come together in this easy recipe. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!

Skillet Chicken and Green Beans

This Skillet Chicken and Green Beans is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Green Beans:

• 4-6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 pound green beans trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha or sweet chili sauce optional
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes optional
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spatula or tongs
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons
• Serving platter

Method

 

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
2. In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot, then add the seasoned chicken to the pan.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the trimmed green beans. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and add the lemon juice. This will create a flavorful sauce that coats the green beans.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. If using, drizzle the Sriracha or sweet chili sauce and sprinkle in the crushed red chili pepper flakes for an added kick. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Once everything is heated through and well combined, serve your Skillet Chicken and Green Beans warm. Enjoy each bite of this delicious, hearty meal!

Notes

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container.
• This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• For meal prep, portion into containers for quick, healthy lunches.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences!