Some nights just call for a simple dinner that doesn’t require much thinking. The Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe is perfect for those busy evenings. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and honey creates a savory-sweet taste that enhances the chicken and green beans.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish supports a balanced diet.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, it pairs well with rice or quinoa.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor, making it an easy way to get them to eat their greens.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking and makes it easy to sauté the chicken and green beans.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for quickly cutting chicken into uniform pieces.
- Spatula: Useful for stirring ingredients without damaging your skillet.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
For the Green Beans
- 2 1/2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil + 1 teaspoon, separated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Make Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Wash and trim the green beans, then cut them into 1-inch pieces. Cut the chicken into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add another teaspoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chicken chunks, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix together chicken broth (or water), soy sauce, honey, and corn starch in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the sauce over it in the skillet. Stir to coat evenly. Add back in the sautéed green beans and mix everything together until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your delicious Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans warm! Enjoy this delightful meal on its own or alongside rice or quinoa for a complete dinner experience.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans
Serving Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans can be a delightful experience. This dish is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood or occasion.
Casual Family Dinner
- Serve the chicken and green beans with a side of rice or quinoa for a wholesome family meal.
Elegant Presentation
- Plate the chicken breast and green beans on a bed of mashed potatoes, drizzled with sauce for an elegant touch.
Meal Prep Option
- Divide the chicken and green beans into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and a pop of color.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans
Perfecting your Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and crisp green beans enhance flavor significantly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches helps ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your personal preference.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain juices for a tender bite.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans
Pairing side dishes with Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic complement the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
- Quinoa Salad: A light salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds freshness.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring a natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds vibrant color alongside your main dish.
- Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs enhances the overall meal experience.
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides contrast to the warm chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some common mistakes can make preparing Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans less enjoyable. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C) for perfect results.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can leave your dish bland. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the chicken and green beans.
- Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to cut your vegetables or chicken in advance can slow you down. Always prep your ingredients before cooking for a smoother process.
- Using Too Much Sauce: While sauce adds flavor, too much can overpower the dish. Start with less and add more based on your taste preferences.
- Crowding the Pan: Cooking too many ingredients at once can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to season Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans?
The best way is to use salt, pepper, and garlic. Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans work well! Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take longer to cook.
How do I customize Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans?
You can customize it by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or using different sauces like teriyaki or barbecue.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe is not only quick but also versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet delicious enough for special occasions. Consider adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans
Enjoy a quick meal with this Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe that’s flavorful, healthy, and ready in just 25 minutes. Try it tonight!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 1/2 cups green beans
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks and trim green beans.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and sauté green beans for 5 minutes; set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, followed by chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes).
- Combine broth, soy sauce, honey, and corn starch in a bowl; mix well.
- Pour sauce over cooked chicken, add back the green beans, and mix until heated through.
- Serve warm alongside rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.