Garlic Butter Chicken with Vibrant Green Beans

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons butter, divided - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 300g fresh green beans, trimmed - Salt - Pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Chicken: Use 4 pieces, each about 200g. - Butter: Divide 4 tablespoons into 2 for cooking and 2 for flavor. - Garlic: Measure 6 cloves, finely minced. - Thyme and Paprika: Use 1 teaspoon each for a good balance. - Green Beans: Trim 300g until they are ready to cook. - Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon adds richness. - Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon brightens the dish. - Fresh Parsley: Chop a handful for garnish. Cooking this dish is simple and fun. Each ingredient plays a key role in the overall taste. The chicken becomes juicy and flavorful from the butter and garlic. The green beans add a fresh crunch and color. This mix creates a delightful meal. You will love how quickly it comes together. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. First, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Then, add dried thyme and paprika. Make sure the spices coat the chicken evenly. This step is key for great flavor. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This allows the spices to soak in, making each bite tasty. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken when it turns golden brown. Cook for another 5-7 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent it from browning. Next, add the fresh green beans to the skillet. Stir the beans in the garlic butter for about 3-4 minutes. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the green beans. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook until the beans are tender but still bright green. This adds a great crunch and color to your dish. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some garlic butter over the top and let it heat for one more minute. This mixes all the flavors together beautifully. To get golden brown chicken, start with dry breasts. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Heat your skillet well before adding butter. This helps to sear the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Don’t rush this; let the heat do its magic. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Add minced garlic after the chicken cooks. Sauté it for just 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. Browning can make garlic taste bitter. If it starts to brown, lower the heat right away. For vibrant green beans, trim them before cooking. Add them to the skillet after the garlic. Stir them quickly in the garlic butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. This keeps them bright and tender. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Flavor Infusion: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful bite. Bright Green Beans: To keep the green beans vibrant, consider blanching them in boiling water for a minute before sautéing. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique twist on flavor in your garlic butter. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, you can use different proteins. Fish, like salmon, works well with garlic butter. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. For seasonings, try fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of thyme. You can also swap paprika for chili powder for a little kick. To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or broth instead of regular versions. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a plant-based spread or olive oil. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. You can add different herbs or spices to make this dish your own. Fresh rosemary gives a fragrant touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Lemon zest can brighten the flavors, too. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! To store leftovers safely, first let the chicken and green beans cool. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents any strong smells from spreading. You can store the dish in the fridge for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Microwave the chicken and green beans on a low setting. This helps to warm them without drying them out. You can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to keep moisture in. Cover the skillet to trap steam and heat evenly. If you want to prepare ahead of time, season the chicken and trim the green beans the night before. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. You can also make the garlic butter in advance. Just store it in a small jar and keep it in the fridge. This way, dinner comes together quickly on busy nights. To check chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. When you sear chicken, it should be golden brown outside. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are easy and quick to prepare. However, fresh green beans taste better and have a nice crunch. For frozen beans, cook them a bit longer in the skillet. This helps them to heat through and soak up that garlic butter flavor. Pair this dish with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. A crisp salad also works well. Garlic bread adds a nice touch and soaks up any leftover garlic butter. You can even serve it with roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. Enjoy mixing and matching! This blog covered all you need to make garlic butter chicken and green beans. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips. You learned how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken and vibrant green beans. I shared variations for different diets and flavor preferences. Plus, proper storage and reheating methods ensure your meal stays tasty. With these insights, you can cook a delicious dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to explore variations!$

Garlic Butter Chicken with Vibrant Green Beans

A delicious and savory chicken dish paired with fresh green beans, all cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
300 grams fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring them in the garlic butter for about 3-4 minutes. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the beans, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beans are tender but still bright green.
Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the garlic butter over the top. Let everything heat together for an additional minute.
Garnish and Plate: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color.

Notes

Serve the chicken and green beans on a large platter, drizzling any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top. Add lemon wedges on the side for a fresh touch. Enjoy!

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, garlic butter, green beans