Chicken Green Bean Skillet Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of a Chicken Green Bean Skillet sizzling on the stove! This easy, one-pan meal is brimming with juicy chicken, crisp-tender green beans, and a zesty, buttery lemon sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Every bite is a celebration of fresh flavors and unbeatable comfort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Green Bean Skillet lies in its simple but essential ingredients—each one brings something special to the table, from juicy chicken and crisp veggies to that buttery, lemony finish. Let’s take a closer look at how each ingredient makes this dish sing!

• Chicken breast (or thighs): Choose boneless, skinless pieces cut into bite-sized chunks for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Green beans: Trimmed and fresh, they offer a crisp texture and vibrant color that makes the skillet pop.
• Olive oil and butter: The dynamic duo that delivers rich flavor and that irresistible golden sear on your chicken.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a deeply aromatic punch that infuses the whole pan.
• Italian seasoning & onion powder: These pantry staples provide savory depth and mild sweetness.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Rounded seasoning that lets all the flavors shine without overpowering.
• Smoked paprika: Adds just a hint of smoky warmth to each bite.
• Lemon juice & lemon slices: A bright, citrusy finish that wakes up the entire dish.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Helps create a luscious, light sauce that ties everything together.
• Crushed red chili pepper flakes: Just a pinch for subtle heat—add more if you like it spicy!
• Fresh Italian parsley: For that final burst of color and freshness right before serving.

Variations

Don’t be shy about making this Chicken Green Bean Skillet your own! It’s incredibly adaptable—so feel free to play with the protein, spices, or veggies to fit your favorite flavors or special dietary needs.

• Substitute the protein: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option that shines with the same pan sauce.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and crunch.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of grated Parmesan at the end for a richer, more decadent finish.
• Turn up the heat: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce to make things zippy!

How to Make Chicken Green Bean Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

Start by arranging your trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe dish with half a cup of water. A quick four-minute zap in the microwave is all they need—just enough to turn them vibrantly green and slightly tender while leaving a satisfying snap. They’ll finish cooking in the skillet later, so set them aside for now.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

While the green beans steam, combine the Italian seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, half of your kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This flavor-packed blend is going to stick to the chicken beautifully, giving every bite a seriously savory kick.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat your olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a roomy skillet or sauté pan over medium. Add your chicken in a single, even layer and bump the heat to medium-high. Let it sizzle untouched for about four minutes to get that gorgeous golden sear, then sprinkle on your seasoning mix. Cook and stir for another five to six minutes—if you notice the chicken browning too fast, just lower the heat a touch. Once cooked through, move the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans and Aromatics

Time to bring that skillet to life! Over medium-low, melt your remaining two tablespoons of butter. Toss in the steamed green beans, half the parsley, the minced garlic, the rest of the salt, and your red pepper flakes. Stir regularly for two to three minutes as the beans get glossy and fragrant.

Step 5: Deglaze and Finish the Sauce

Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, then turn the heat up to medium-high. Let everything bubble together, stirring often, for another two or three minutes. You want some of the liquid to reduce, leaving a bright, buttery sauce that lightly coats the beans.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the green beans and pan sauce. Sprinkle over the rest of your chopped parsley and give it a final toss. Garnish generously with lemon slices and serve straight from the skillet—the Chicken Green Bean Skillet is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Skillet

Garnishes

A flurry of freshly chopped parsley, paper-thin lemon slices, and maybe a final pinch of red pepper flakes will make your Chicken Green Bean Skillet look as lively as it tastes. Don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of grated Parmesan for a little extra dazzle!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a buttered couscous. For a lighter touch, try serving alongside a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette or crusty bread to soak up that luscious pan sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Chicken Green Bean Skillet straight from the pan for a charming, rustic vibe! For a more elegant flair, mound it atop a platter, circle with extra lemon slices, and scatter microgreens for color. Or, spoon it into individual bowls for easy, hearty weeknight dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser any way you dish it up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Green Bean Skillet keeps really well—just pop cooled portions into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further overnight, making leftovers a tasty lunchtime treat!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your skillet meal, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and note that while the green beans may lose some crispness, the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, with a splash of broth or water to help revive the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch—but give it a stir every 30 seconds for even heating and to keep the chicken extra juicy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely adore how the Chicken Green Bean Skillet brings everyone to the table—fast, flavorful, and full of fresh, zesty goodness. This is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat, no matter the season. Give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews from your family and friends!

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