Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This Creamy Bush Beans with Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with fresh flavors, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into a truly delicious dish. It's one of those best recipes that's both easy and impressive, perfect for impressing family and friends or simply enjoying a satisfying meal on your own.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can bush beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the drained bush beans and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Add Chicken & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the creamy bush bean mixture. Heat through for a minute or two. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Creamy Bush Beans with Chicken:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through and still juicy.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that elevates the dish. If you don't have fresh thyme, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the onions.
- Use different beans: Green beans or even lima beans can be substituted for bush beans.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this dish over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This creamy bush beans with chicken recipe is a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthy and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Enjoy!