This dish brings together tender, perfectly cooked chicken breasts and vibrant green beans sautéed in garlic and butter, offering a fresh and wholesome dinner option. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zest to the green beans, making them a perfect complement to the juicy chicken.
This meal is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. You can serve it with your favorite side dish or enjoy it on its own for a lighter, low-calorie option. It’s quick, easy, and a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something healthy and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/4 cup water
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
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Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
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Add the green beans and water, covering the skillet and cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until green beans are tender.
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Add lemon juice to the green beans and stir to combine.
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Serve the chicken breasts alongside the sautéed green beans.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Why This Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans Recipe is a Must-Try
When it comes to quick and healthy meals, the combination of chicken breast and green beans is a go-to option for anyone looking for a nutritious, simple dinner. Not only is this dish packed with lean protein and fiber, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy individuals, families, or anyone who just doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or just want to maintain a balanced diet, this recipe offers an amazing balance of flavors, nutrients, and convenience. Below, we will explore why this recipe is the best choice for your next meal.
The Perfect Balance of Protein and Vegetables
Chicken breast is well-known for being a lean protein that’s low in fat and high in essential nutrients, making it the perfect addition to any healthy meal. It’s an excellent source of B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, which are crucial for energy production and maintaining a healthy metabolism. This high-protein content also helps keep you fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack between meals. When paired with green beans, you not only get a boost of fiber but also essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and manganese, which help support your immune system, bone health, and overall well-being.
Why Green Beans? A Nutritional Powerhouse
Green beans may seem simple, but they’re a nutritional powerhouse that deserves more attention. Rich in fiber, green beans help promote digestion and regulate blood sugar levels, making them an excellent option for those looking to maintain healthy cholesterol levels or manage diabetes. They’re also low in calories, which is why they’re often included in weight loss diets. Beyond their fiber content, green beans provide antioxidants, including flavonoids, which protect against inflammation and oxidative stress.
This nutrient-packed vegetable not only enhances the flavor of the dish with its light and slightly sweet taste but also balances the richness of the chicken. The fresh, vibrant green beans add color, texture, and health benefits, making this recipe a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
A Quick and Easy Meal for Busy People
Time is of the essence for most people, and one of the biggest reasons this Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe stands out is because of how quickly it comes together. In just 25 minutes, you can prepare a complete meal that’s not only healthy but incredibly satisfying. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking method, this recipe doesn’t require any special skills or ingredients. The chicken is simply seasoned, seared, and paired with a quick sauté of garlic-infused green beans, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can adjust the seasonings to your personal preferences, making it as mild or as spicy as you like. Want to add a bit of heat? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can spice things up. If you enjoy a more savory flavor, you can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added complexity.
Health Benefits of Chicken and Green Beans
Eating this dish regularly offers a wide range of health benefits. For starters, both chicken and green beans are naturally low in fat and calories, which is perfect for anyone trying to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their calorie intake. Since the chicken breast is such an excellent source of lean protein, it’s also a great choice for muscle repair and growth, especially for those who work out or engage in physical activities. The green beans, on the other hand, provide the much-needed fiber to keep the digestive system running smoothly.
Furthermore, this recipe is gluten-free, making it a safe option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It also fits within a low-carb or keto diet, as both the chicken and green beans are low in carbohydrates, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
An Affordable and Accessible Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how budget-friendly it is. Chicken breast is an affordable source of protein, especially when bought in bulk, and green beans can often be found fresh or frozen at an affordable price. Not only will this dish save you money compared to dining out or ordering takeout, but it’s a meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare at home, regardless of your culinary experience.
You can also get creative with the recipe by using frozen green beans if you’re in a pinch. This flexibility makes it a great option for anyone who is looking to make something quick and affordable without sacrificing flavor or quality.
A Dish You Can Make in Bulk
If you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for a larger group, this recipe is easily scalable. It’s simple to make extra portions of chicken breasts and green beans and store them for later. The leftovers can be used in a variety of ways: add the chicken to salads, wraps, or sandwiches, or pair it with a different vegetable for a completely new meal. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or an entire family, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to any situation.
Why You Should Make This Recipe Right Now
There’s no better time than now to add this Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe to your meal rotation. It’s a healthy, nutrient-dense, and time-saving meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and a rich variety of vitamins and minerals, this recipe offers a perfect combination of flavors and nutrition. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and affordable dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or satisfaction.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a few wholesome ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, balanced meal. The addition of garlic and butter to the green beans elevates the dish, while the chicken breast provides the perfect source of protein. This is the kind of meal that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, without compromising on taste or convenience.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans recipe offers a lot more than just convenience. It’s a healthy, nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a family dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes: it’s quick, simple, and delicious. It’s a balanced meal that offers both protein and vegetables, two essential components of any nutritious diet. And the best part is that you can easily make it your own by adjusting the seasonings or adding new ingredients to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner, this recipe is definitely one you should try!