Discover the Delight of Chicken Breast and Green Beans Tonight!

Chicken breast and green beans is a classic pairing that never fails to satisfy. This simple, yet flavorful dish is a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a nutritious and wholesome meal. With its lean protein, crunchy veggies, and savory-sweet sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

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Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Green beans, on the other hand, are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutrient-dense addition to any meal. Together, this dynamic duo creates a well-balanced plate that’s both delicious and good for you.

In today’s fast-paced world, quick and healthy recipes are a must-have in every home cook’s arsenal. This Chicken Breast and Green Beans dish is the perfect solution, coming together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep work. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen!

Ingredients for Chicken Breast and Green Beans

• 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

The key ingredients in this Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe are the chicken, green beans, and the flavorful sauce. The chicken provides a lean protein boost, while the green beans add a delightful crunch and plenty of nutrients. The sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, and garlic, brings it all together with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.

When selecting your ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality, fresh chicken breasts and green beans for the best results. You can also adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences, adding a touch more honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

How to Prepare Chicken Breast and Green Beans

First, let’s get the chicken and green beans prepped and ready to go. Trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces, and cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. Having everything chopped and ready to go will make the cooking process a breeze.

Cooking the Chicken

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

Sautéing the Green Beans

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

Making 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 in the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Combining and Serving

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans and sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is heated through and evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Serve your delicious Chicken Breast and Green Beans immediately, while it’s hot and fresh!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Breast and Green Beans

This Chicken Breast and Green Beans dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad or roasted sweet potato cubes for a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.

For a bit of added crunch and texture, you can top the dish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds, or crispy fried onions. And don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations and Substitutions for Chicken Breast and Green Beans

One of the great things about this Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences.

For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can serve the chicken and green beans over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Looking to mix up the protein? Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp, cubed tofu, or even sliced beef. And if you’re not a fan of green beans, you can swap them out for broccoli, snap peas, or any other crisp, tender vegetable that you enjoy.

To add even more flavor, try incorporating a splash of sesame oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this dish to your personal taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Breast and Green Beans

What kind of beans go with chicken breast?

Green beans are an excellent pairing with chicken breast. Their crisp texture and mild flavor complement the juicy, tender chicken perfectly. Other bean varieties, such as snap peas, snow peas, or even edamame, also make great companions to chicken breast.

What protein goes well with green beans?

In addition to chicken breast, green beans pair well with a variety of proteins, including:

• Shrimp or other seafood
• Tofu or tempeh
• Pork or beef
• Eggs (in a stir-fry or scramble)

Can you eat chicken and beans together?

Absolutely! Chicken and beans, including green beans, are a classic and delicious combination. The protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled beans create a well-balanced and satisfying meal. As long as the cooking methods and seasonings complement each other, chicken and beans make a wonderful pairing.

Why do restaurant green beans taste so good?

There are a few reasons why restaurant green beans often taste so delicious:

• Fresh Ingredients: Restaurants typically use fresh, high-quality green beans that are crisp and flavorful.
• Proper Cooking Technique: Chefs know how to properly blanch, sauté, or roast the green beans to bring out their best texture and flavor.
• Flavorful Seasonings: Restaurants often use a combination of garlic, butter, lemon, or other seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the green beans.
• High-Heat Cooking: The intense heat of commercial kitchens allows the green beans to develop a delicious, slightly charred flavor.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Creamy Chicken Salad
• Barbecue Pineapple Chicken

With its balance of lean protein, crunchy veggies, and mouthwatering sauce, this Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe is sure to become a new weeknight favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious, nutritious goodness in every bite!

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