This Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans dish is super easy to make and packed with flavor! Tender chicken is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, and the green beans add a fresh crunch.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of that buttery garlic goodness! It’s perfect for busy nights—just a quick sauté and dinner is ready, making me feel like a kitchen superstar! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work great, too! If you want a lighter option, try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for better control over the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, consider using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for that garlic flavor.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch. Frozen green beans are a good alternative if fresh ones aren’t available. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since frozen beans cook faster.
Heavy Cream: If you’re cutting back on calories, switch heavy cream for half and half or even plain yogurt for a lighter sauce that still packs flavor!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is all about the right technique! Here’s how to ensure it’s tender and juicy:
- Start with patting the chicken dry. This helps achieve that nice golden brown color. Moisture can make it steam instead of sear.
- Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan, as this helps the chicken cook evenly. Just let it breathe!
- Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine (optional for sauce)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half (optional for richer sauce)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans can be ready in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and roughly 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them get that beautiful golden color when cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, making sure to coat everything evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Green Beans:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the trimmed green beans and sauté them until they are tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Season the green beans with a little salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
5. Deglaze the Pan:
If you want to make your sauce even more delicious, pour in the chicken broth or white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this adds great flavor! Let it simmer for a minute or two.
6. Add Cream (Optional):
If you’re using heavy cream, stir that in now and let the sauce thicken a bit for about 2 minutes. This will add a lovely richness to your sauce.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce, making sure all the pieces are well coated. Stir in the chopped parsley for some freshness!
8. Serve it Up:
On a plate, serve the garlic butter chicken alongside the sautéed green beans. Feel free to garnish with additional parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness!
9. Enjoy!
Your mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans are ready! Enjoy this quick and flavorful dish with your loved ones or savor it all by yourself—you deserve it!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in cold water before cooking. Pat it dry, then follow the recipe as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half, or even use Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Just stir it in at the end to prevent curdling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to help keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sauteed mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and follow the same cooking method for plenty of flavor!
