Okay, picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, you’ve barely had time to breathe, and dinner needs to come together faster than you can say “takeout.” Enter this Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans—a dish that feels fancy but is way easier than it looks. The moment that butter hits the hot pan, filling your kitchen with that intoxicating garlic aroma, you know you’re in for a treat. The chicken gets golden and juicy, while the green beans soak up every bit of garlicky buttery goodness. Trust me, this meal hits all the right notes—comfort, flavor, and a dash of “wow, I made this!” Plus, it’s foolproof enough for even the busiest cooks. Let’s get you from stovetop to dinner plate in no time!
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps get a nice golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes until the underside turns golden brown.
Step 2:
Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter, and tilt the pan, using a spoon to baste the chicken with melted butter and pan juices. This keeps things super moist and flavorful.
Step 3:
Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the green beans to the empty side along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Toss everything together to coat the beans. Let the beans cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4:
Give the chicken a final baste, taste the green beans, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The garlic should be fragrant and slightly toasted, not burnt, so keep an eye on it.
Step 5:
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the beans are bright green and tender, remove the skillet from heat. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to lock in all those juicy flavors.
Variations & Tips
Swap green beans for asparagus or snap peas for a spring twist.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving for a citrusy brightness.
If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter as you cook the garlic.
Use bone-in chicken thighs instead—just adjust cooking time to about 10 minutes per side.
To speed things up, use pre-minced garlic (just reduce quantity to about 2 teaspoons).
Don’t overcrowd the pan—it lowers the temperature and causes steaming instead of searing.
How I Like to Serve It
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up every bit of that garlicky butter. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests on a casual weekend. Bonus points if you make a quick side salad with crisp cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to add some freshness on the side.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the chicken juicy and the green beans crisp.
Closing: This Garlic Butter Chicken with Green Beans is one of those simple recipes that feels special every time—easy to make, full of flavor, and always hits the spot.
