Welcome to an article about a tasty chicken and green beans recipe. If you’re on the hunt for something healthy, easy to make, or loaded with protein, you’re in the right spot. This recipe brings together the juicy taste of chicken and the crunch of green beans. It’s a dish that’s both tasty and good for you. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a homemade meal that everyone will love.
Before we get into this delicious recipe, let’s talk about its benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein. It goes really well with green beans, which are full of fiber. Eating this dish means you get a meal that’s not only yummy but also healthy. Plus, using fresh stuff means you’re choosing something truly nutritious for your body.
Key Takeaways:
- Chicken and green beans make a healthy, tasty meal.
- Fresh ingredients make the dish more flavorful and nutritious.
- This recipe is a quick, easy option for cooking at home.
- It’s perfect for adding protein and veggies to your diet.
- By making this, you’ll create a meal the whole family will enjoy.
How to Make Chicken and Green Beans
To make a delicious chicken and green beans stir fry, follow these simple steps:
Cooking the Green Beans
First, cook the green beans until they’re just right. Blanch or steam them for a few minutes. Take them out of the pan and set them aside.
Preparing the Chicken
Cut boneless chicken breasts into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Then, heat oil in a pan and cook the chicken. Cook it until it’s golden all around. Take the chicken out and put it with the green beans.
Making the Sauce
To make the sauce, mix soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, vinegar, and broth in a bowl. Stir them together well.
Combining the Ingredients
Put the green beans and chicken back in the pan. Add the sauce on top. Cook it all together until the sauce gets thick.
Serving the Dish
Now, your chicken and green beans are ready. Serve this tasty stir fry with rice, noodles, or quinoa.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces | 1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. |
| Green beans, cooked until crisp-tender | 2. Cook the green beans until they’re tender and set them aside. |
| Minced garlic | 3. In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. |
| Soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and chicken broth | 4. Whisk the sauce ingredients until well combined. |
| Salt and pepper | 5. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. |
Variations of Chicken and Green Beans
Chicken and green beans are just the start. You can add many vegetables for new flavors. Think about mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, carrots, snow peas, broccoli, or asparagus. These veggies make the meal more exciting.
A stir fry becomes even better with different veggies. Bell peppers and onions add a sweet and tangy taste. Mushrooms give an earthy flavor and meaty feel. Snow peas add crunch. Adding broccoli or asparagus brings green richness, while carrots offer sweetness and color.
Mixing in various vegetables boosts the dish’s taste, texture, and health benefits. With more veggies, your meal gets full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
This dish is perfect for meal prep too. Split the stir fry into portions for easy meals during the week. Add rice or quinoa to make it filling. It’s a great way to stay full and energetic.
Try new veggie mixes to keep the stir fry exciting. Each combination offers a unique taste and lots of nutrients. It’s a fun way to enjoy a healthy, diverse diet.
| Vegetable Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms | Adds earthy flavor and meaty texture. |
| Bell Peppers | Provides color, sweetness, and tanginess. |
| Onions | Enhances savory flavors and adds a mild tang. |
| Carrots | Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color. |
| Snow Peas | Adds a fresh and crunchy element. |
| Broccoli | Provides green richness and a slightly bitter taste. |
| Asparagus | Offers a green and herbaceous flavor. |
Recipe Ingredients and Instructions
For a tasty chicken and green beans meal, gather these items:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 pound of green beans
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to cook:
- Warm oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the green beans in the pan until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Take the green beans out of the pan and put them aside.
- Cook the chicken in the pan until golden brown, around 4-5 minutes each side.
- Then remove the chicken and set it aside as well.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch together.
- Pour this mix into the pan and let it simmer.
- Put the chicken and green beans back in the pan. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the sauce gets thick.
- Add salt and pepper as you like.
- Take it off the heat and serve it over rice for a filling dish.
Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
If you’re craving a yummy and healthy meal, try this chicken and green beans recipe. It ticks all the boxes for flavor and nutrition. Each serving gives you about 215 calories, with 27g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 8g of fat.
This means it’s not heavy in calories but is rich in protein. This keeps you full and energized all day.
About health, this recipe is a winner. It’s low in sodium and packed with fiber. The green beans bring vitamins and minerals. And the chicken is a top source of lean protein for muscle health.
Looking to eat healthier or bulk up on protein? This recipe is perfect for you. It fits into any diet with ease. It’s great for a tasty lunch or dinner that won’t mess with your health goals.
“This chicken and green beans recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for a healthy diet. It provides a balance of protein and veggies, making it a filling and satisfying meal that is low in sodium and high in fiber.”
Alternative Chicken and Green Beans Recipe
Are you searching for a new take on chicken and green beans? Try a skillet meal with a tangy lemon garlic sauce. This dish combines pan-seared chicken breasts with crispy green beans and sweet tomatoes. The savory lemon-garlic sauce adds a perfect flavor. It’s healthy too, being low in carbs, gluten-free, and low in fat. Plus, you can make it in less than 20 minutes.
Skillet Chicken and Green Beans Recipe
Want to know how to cook this tasty dish? Here’s the method:
- Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in the skillet for 4-6 minutes on each side. They should be browned and cooked thoroughly. Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it aside.
- Then, put another tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add the green beans and tomatoes. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until the beans are just right and the tomatoes are soft.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic, thyme, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, lemon juice, and a bit of salt and pepper.
- Next, pour your garlic and lemon mix into the skillet with the green beans and tomatoes. Stir everything together well.
- Put the chicken back into the skillet. Make sure it’s nestled in amongst the veggies.
- Now, cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 5 more minutes. Your chicken will warm through, and the flavors will blend beautifully.
- Finally, take it off the heat. Add fresh parsley on top if you like.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet. 2. Season chicken, cook until browned. 3. Set chicken aside. |
| Green beans | 4. Cook green beans and tomatoes in skillet. 5. Combine garlic, thyme, vinegar, broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. 6. Pour mixture into skillet. 7. Return chicken to skillet. 8. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. 9. Remove from heat and garnish with parsley. |
| Cherry or grape tomatoes | |
| Minced garlic | |
| Fresh thyme | |
| Balsamic vinegar | |
| Chicken broth | |
| Lemon juice | |
| Salt and pepper | |
| Fresh parsley (optional) |
Ingredients and Instructions for Alternative Recipe
Looking for a tasty twist on classic chicken and green beans? Try our skillet version with zesty lemon garlic sauce. It blends flavors perfectly, giving your dinner an amazing lift.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken breasts | 2, boneless and skinless |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green beans | 8 ounces |
| Cherry or grape tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | To taste |
Here’s how to cook up this delicious lemon garlic chicken and green beans:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet until both sides are brown.
- Take the chicken out and place it aside.
- Cook onions and garlic in the skillet until they smell good.
- Add broth, lemon zest, thyme, and vinegar. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Put the chicken back in the skillet. Cook until it’s done.
- In another skillet, cook the green beans with butter, garlic, seasoning, and water until they’re just right.
- Once the chicken is done and the green beans are cooked, take them off the heat.
- Add lemon juice to the skillet with the chicken.
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if you like.
This lemon garlic chicken and green beans recipe adds a fun twist to the usual. The mix of juicy chicken, crispy green beans, and tangy sauce will have you wanting more. Give it a try and enjoy the amazing tastes!
Tips for Cooking Chicken and Green Beans
Want to make tasty chicken and green beans? Here are some tips and tricks. These will help you, whether you’re new to cooking or already know your way around the kitchen. With these ideas, you’ll make this dish shine every time.
Butterflying Chicken Breasts
To cook chicken evenly and quickly, try butterflying the chicken breasts. This means slicing them in half and opening them like a book. This creates thinner pieces that cook faster. Butterflying lets the seasoning soak in better, making the chicken tastier.
Cooking Green Beans in a Pan
For pan-cooked green beans, start with fresh ones. They’re crisp and full of flavor. If you have frozen ones, thaw them first. Make sure they’re dry before cooking to avoid sogginess.
If you like softer green beans, blanch or steam them first. This makes them a bit tender. Boil or steam for a few minutes, then add them to your pan.
Remember, the secret to perfect chicken and green beans is watching the cook time. Adjust it as needed. This way, everything cooks just right, making your meal delicious and enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Green Beans
Chicken and green beans make a great meal together. You can enjoy them on their own or with side dishes. Here are some tips to make your dish even better:
1. Serve over Brown Rice or Quinoa
Try putting your chicken and green beans on brown rice or quinoa. These grains are healthy and fill you up. They also add a nice touch to the taste.
2. Pair with Baked Sweet Potato
A baked sweet potato is a great match for your dish. Its sweet flavor goes well with the savory chicken and beans. It makes for a tasty and balanced meal.
3. Add a Side Salad
A fresh side salad can make your meal even better. Choose a Greek salad or a spinach bacon salad. These salads add a fresh taste that complements your main dish.
4. Serve with Roasted Vegetables
Adding roasted vegetables can improve your meal. Roast carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini until soft and brown. These veggies add more flavor and color to your plate.
Tip: A side salad with your chicken and green beans is a tasty and healthy choice.
These are just some ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix things up. The goal is to pick sides that match well with your chicken and beans.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Brown Rice or Quinoa | Whole grains to add substance to the meal. |
| Baked Sweet Potato | Natural sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors. |
| Side Salad | A crisp and fresh addition to balance the meal. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Caramelized flavors to enhance the dish. |
Storage and Reheating
Had a yummy dinner of chicken and green beans? You might have leftovers. No worries though, storing and reheating this meal is easy.
To keep it fresh, put your leftover chicken and green beans in an airtight container. This keeps out bad smells and tastes. If you do this, you can enjoy your meal again within 3 to 4 days.
Ready to eat your leftovers? You can use the microwave or stovetop to reheat them.
For microwave reheating:
- Put your chicken and green beans in a dish safe for the microwave.
- Cover the dish with something microwave-safe like a lid or paper towel. This stops splatters.
- Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, until it’s warm. Stir once to heat evenly.
- Wait a minute before eating so the heat spreads out.
For stovetop reheating:
- Put a little oil or butter in a pan over medium fire.
- Throw in the chicken and green beans. Stir until they’re warm.
- Take the pan off the fire. Let it sit for a minute before you eat.
This recipe is also great for meal prep. Put individual portions in containers for quick meals during the week. This way, you can have a tasty homemade meal with zero extra work.
So, saving leftovers or prepping meals, this chicken and green beans dish keeps things simple yet delicious.
| Storage | Reheating | Meal Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. | Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. | Divide stir fry into individual portions and store in meal prep containers for easy weekday meals. |
More Chicken and Green Beans Recipes
Looking for recipes with chicken and green beans? There’s a lot to try. You can find stir fries, skillet meals, and baked dishes. Take a look at online recipes for more tasty options.
Try the Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry. It’s easy and quick. It mixes tender chicken and crunch green beans in a tasty sauce. The honey garlic sauce brings a great mix of sweet and savory. Serve it with rice for a full meal.
The Lemon Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Skillet is another yummy choice. It has juicy chicken, fresh green beans, and cherry tomatoes in a lemon-garlic sauce. The citrus and green beans taste amazing together. It’s healthy and fills you up.
If you like baked meals, the Chicken and Green Beans Casserole is perfect. It’s a cozy dish with chicken, green beans, and cheese sauce. Plus, it’s topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Great for family meals or gatherings.
“To make the best chicken and green beans, keep it simple. Use the ingredients’ flavors to their full potential. Feel free to add your spices to make it your own.” – Chef Smith
Whichever recipe you pick, using fresh ingredients is key. Chicken and green beans make your meals tasty and healthy. They’re full of protein and nutrients, perfect for a balanced diet.
| Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry | A quick and flavorful stir fry with honey garlic sauce. |
| Lemon Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Skillet | A tangy and aromatic skillet dish with fresh lemon and garlic. |
| Chicken and Green Beans Casserole | A comforting baked dish with creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping. |
Conclusion
Chicken and green beans make a tasty, nutritious meal choice. They can be made into tasty dishes that are simple and quick. With the right spices and ways to cook, you can please everyone at home.
There are many recipes, like honey garlic stir fry or lemon garlic skillet. These meals are rich in protein and full of good tastes and ingredients. If you want to eat better or change your meal plan, this combo is great.
Why not try it out? Play with different veggies and find your best chicken and green beans dish. With creativity and some basic ingredients, you can make a yummy meal that’s good for you.
