Chicken and Green Beans: A Simple Yet Delicious Recipe
This recipe offers a simple, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare chicken and green beans. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner and easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Let's dive into this delicious and SEO-optimized recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 1 lb fresh green beans: Trimmed and halved or whole, depending on preference.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat for cooking.
- 1 small onion: Diced for added flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for aromatic depth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a warm, earthy note.
- 1/2 tsp salt: To taste. Adjust as needed.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is best!
- Optional additions: Consider adding a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor penetration.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Adding the Green Beans:
Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir to combine with the chicken and onion mixture. Pour in a little chicken broth (optional) to help the green beans steam and cook.
5. Simmering to Perfection:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your green beans.
6. Serving and Enjoying:
Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy chicken and green beans!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add other vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for a more substantial meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer dish.
This simple chicken and green beans recipe is a versatile and healthy option for any meal. Remember to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your own preferences. Enjoy! We hope you find this recipe helpful and delicious! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
