Whip Up Chicken Breast and Green Beans in 30 Minutes!

Chicken breast and green beans – a classic pairing that’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. This simple, one-pan dish is a go-to for busy weeknights, offering a quick and easy way to get a healthy meal on the table. With tender chicken, crisp-tender green beans, and a savory sauce, it’s a well-balanced and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Chicken Breast and Green Beans

To make this Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil + 1 teaspoon (separated)
• 2 1/2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 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

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to making this Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe a success. Feel free to adjust the amounts of certain ingredients to suit your personal preferences – a little more or less garlic, a splash of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can all add a unique twist.

How to Make Chicken Breast and Green Beans

Preparing this Chicken Breast and Green Beans dish is a breeze. Here’s how it all comes together:

Prep the Chicken and Green Beans

Start by trimming and cutting the green beans into 1-inch pieces. Then, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks, making sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Green Beans

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant. Then, add the green beans and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth (or water), soy sauce, honey, and corn starch. Pour this mixture over the green beans and bring it to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the green beans and sauce to coat everything evenly. Heat through, then serve your delicious Chicken Breast and Green Beans immediately.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

To ensure your Chicken Breast and Green Beans turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Make sure to cook the chicken all the way through, as undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Work in batches if needed to prevent the chicken from steaming instead of browning. Crowding the pan can lead to soggy, unappealing results.
• Sauté the Green Beans to Perfection: Pay close attention to the green beans, sautéing them just until they’re tender-crisp. Overcooked green beans can become limp and lose their vibrant color.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to suit your personal preferences, such as adding a touch more honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Breast and Green Beans

This Chicken Breast and Green Beans dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or paired with roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. A fresh green salad or a side of steamed broccoli would also make excellent accompaniments, complementing the flavors of the chicken and green beans perfectly.

For a delightful contrast of textures, top the dish with toasted sliced almonds or crunchy fried onions. And don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Breast and Green Beans

Not only is this Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe incredibly tasty, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while green beans are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

A single serving of this dish contains approximately 275 calories, 35 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbohydrates, and just 8 grams of fat. It’s a well-balanced meal that can support weight management, muscle growth, and overall health.

To make this dish even healthier, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce, or reducing the amount of honey in the sauce. Swapping in fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can also provide a flavor boost without adding extra calories or sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of beans go with chicken breast?

Green beans are an excellent pairing for chicken breast, as they complement the flavors and textures of the dish. Other bean varieties that work well include snap peas, snow peas, and even lima beans or kidney beans.

What protein goes well with green beans?

In addition to chicken breast, green beans pair beautifully with other proteins such as shrimp, pork, or even tofu. The mild flavor of green beans allows them to enhance a variety of protein sources.

Can you eat chicken and beans together?

Absolutely! Chicken and beans, including green beans, make a highly nutritious and delicious combination. The lean protein from the chicken and the fiber and vitamins from the beans create a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

How many calories are in chicken breast and green beans?

A typical serving of this Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe contains approximately 275 calories. The exact calorie count may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
• Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
• Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Chicken breast and green beans are a dynamic duo, offering a wholesome and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy. With this recipe in your arsenal, you’ll have a go-to option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. Give it a try and experience the wonderful flavors of this classic pairing for yourself!

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