Why Make This Recipe
Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans is a fantastic dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. It combines juicy chicken thighs with crisp green beans, all cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This one-skillet meal is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. With minimal cleanup and an explosion of flavor, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up this comforting dish.
How to Make Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans
Cooking Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans is as straightforward as it is satisfying. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Heat the Skillet: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is warm, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely.
Cook the Chicken: When the butter is melted, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Add Garlic: Carefully flip the chicken thighs over using tongs or a spatula. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the chicken.
Add Green Beans: After the chicken has cooked on the second side, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Season the entire dish with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the chicken to finish cooking through and the green beans to steam and become tender.
Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the beans are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. If you like, you can garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve your Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans hot.
How to Serve Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans
This dish makes a great main course and can be served with a variety of side options. Consider pairing it with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the meal nicely.
If you want to elevate your serving, consider presenting the chicken and green beans on a large platter, drizzling extra garlic butter sauce on top, and garnishing with more fresh parsley. This makes the dish look appealing and inviting.
How to Store Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans
If you have leftovers, storing them is quite simple. Allow the chicken and green beans to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
If you need to store the dish for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the cooled chicken and green beans in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans
Choose the right chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. If using boneless chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Don’t rush it: Make sure the chicken gets a nice sear on the first side before flipping it. This will help keep it juicy and give it that golden color.
Fresh garlic is key: Using fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you only have garlic powder available, you can substitute it, but the taste won’t be the same.
Check for doneness: Always check that the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure it’s cooked properly.
Customize the seasoning: Feel free to add some herbs or spices for extra flavor. Paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance this dish.
Variation
This recipe is quite versatile! Here are a few variations you might enjoy trying:
Vegetable Add-ins: Besides green beans, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, asparagus, or carrots. Just make sure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Spicy Option: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the skillet when cooking the chicken.
Different Proteins: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. You could also use pork chops or a different cut of chicken.
Creamy Version: To make a creamy version of this dish, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese after the chicken is cooked. This will give you a delicious garlic butter sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just add them directly to the skillet; however, you may need to cook them a bit longer to ensure they are heated through and tender.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare it according to the recipe and store the finished dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. What side dishes go well with Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans?
This dish pairs nicely with rice, mashed potatoes, or even quinoa. A simple salad or some crusty bread can also be great sides!
By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create a delightful Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans meal that is sure to please everyone at your table!
Print
Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and satisfying one-skillet meal featuring juicy chicken thighs and crisp green beans in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and add minced garlic, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add trimmed green beans to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and beans are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh garlic. Customize seasoning with herbs or spices for added taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg