Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This recipe for Chicken and Green Beans is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. It's one of those best recipes you'll want to keep coming back to!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by trimming the green beans and chopping the onion and garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
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Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
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Add Green Beans and Liquid: Stir in the trimmed green beans, chicken broth, white wine (if using), lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp and the chicken is fully cooked. You want the green beans to retain a little bit of their bite.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately. This delicious dish is a complete meal on its own.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches to ensure it browns properly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken and Green Beans: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Green Beans: Increase the lemon juice and add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a brighter, herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic Lovers Version: Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This quick dinner recipe is a great example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!