This easy garlic butter chicken with green beans is a 30-minute weeknight miracle! Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in rich garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly cooked green beans. Healthy, family-friendly, and restaurant-quality.
Need dinner on the table in 30 minutes? This easy garlic butter chicken with green beans is your new go-to recipe. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, then drowned in a garlicky, buttery sauce that’s pure comfort. The green beans stay crisp-tender, adding fresh, vibrant contrast. It’s healthy, simple, and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Busy weeknights, meal preps, or last-minute guests—this dish adapts to your schedule. The recipe uses just 8 ingredients and minimal steps. No need for complicated techniques or specialty equipment. Just a skillet, a few pantry staples, and you’re ready to cook.
The best part? It’s kid-approved. The garlic butter sauce is rich but balanced, and the green beans add a healthy, colorful boost. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal. Ready to make your weeknights easier? Let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works
Lightning-Fast
Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe fits even the busiest schedules. No marinating, no complicated steps.
Restaurant-Quality
Pan-seared chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce that rivals your favorite takeout.
Healthy & Balanced
High-protein chicken and fiber-rich green beans make this a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Family-Friendly
Kids love the garlicky flavor, and the green beans add essential vitamins without fuss.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans
30-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
- -4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- -2 tbsp olive oil
- -4 garlic cloves, minced
- -1/2 cup unsalted butter
- -1 tsp lemon juice
- -Salt and pepper to taste
- -1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- -1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Season & Sear: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
💡 Use a cast-iron skillet for perfect sear marks.
Make Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add butter, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer 2 minutes.
💡 Add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for depth.
Cook Green Beans: In a separate pan, sauté green beans in 1 tbsp water. Add balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
💡 Toss with 1 tsp butter at the end for richness.
Combine & Serve: Place chicken on plates. Pour garlic butter sauce over. Serve with green beans.
💡 Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy. For extra flavor, use thighs or a mix of both.
Substitutions: Chicken tenders, pork chops, or tofu.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor. Minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch but lacks depth.
Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder (adjust to taste).
Butter
Unsalted butter ensures balanced flavor. Salted butter will make the sauce too salty.
Substitutions: Olive oil or coconut oil for a lighter version.
Green Beans
Fresh or frozen work well. Frozen must be thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Substitutions: Asparagus, green peas, or sugar snap peas.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
Searing Secrets
Preheat your skillet until it’s smoking hot before adding chicken. This ensures a golden crust and locks in juices.
Sauce Enhancements
Add a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan at the end for a richer, velvety sauce.
Make-Ahead Magic
Cook the chicken and green beans up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently in the sauce.
Flavor Boosters
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few capers for a tangy kick.
Variations & Customizations
Asian-Inspired
Swap butter for soy sauce and add ginger. Toss green beans with sesame oil and rice vinegar.
Cheesy Twist
Mix in 1/4 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan into the sauce for a decadent touch.
Low-Carb Option
Replace green beans with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
Vegetarian Swap
Omit chicken and use tofu or portobello mushrooms. Add spinach to the green bean mix.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete protein boost
- Crusty sourdough bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce
- Roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier, fall-themed meal
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a sweet tea.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook the chicken and green beans separately up to 2 days ahead. Store in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently in the sauce.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken—add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked chicken and green beans separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid boiling to prevent drying out the chicken.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my chicken sticking to the pan?
A: Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding chicken. Use a nonstick skillet if needed. Don’t move the chicken until it releases easily.
Q: How to prevent green beans from getting soggy?
A: Cook them quickly over high heat. Add balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten the flavor without overcooking.
Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
A: Yes, but reduce the amount slightly—pre-minced garlic is more concentrated. Start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste.
Q: Sauce is too thin—how to thicken it?
A: Cook the sauce uncovered for 2-3 minutes to reduce. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This easy garlic butter chicken with green beans is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. It’s a 30-minute miracle that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping meals for the week, or impressing last-minute guests, this dish will become a kitchen staple.
The garlicky, buttery sauce is pure comfort, while the crisp green beans add a refreshing balance. Best of all, it’s adaptable—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to keep things exciting. Don’t let the short cooking time fool you; this recipe packs a flavor punch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try tonight, and discover why it’s going viral on Pinterest!
