Chicken and green beans are the weeknight lifesavers I can always count on. They are affordable, quick to make, and take little effort to change up the taste so it feels like a completely different meal. Here’s how you can use this dynamic duo 21 unique ways and no one will complain.

1) Lemon Herb Chicken with Green Beans

Bright and new and feels lighter than it actually is!

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Lemon Herb Chicken with Green Beans

Pan-seared chicken and crisp green beans finished with lemon, garlic, and a shower of fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon juiced and zested
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 0.75 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt and sear in olive oil 6-7 minutes per side until golden.
2. Remove chicken and add green beans to the same pan.
3. Saute green beans with garlic 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Return chicken, add lemon juice and zest, and simmer 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

A little extra lemon zest at the very end keeps everything tasting fresh.

2) Chicken Stir-fry with Ginger Green Beans

You can do this faster than you can do takeout because you already have all the ingredients in your fridge!

Chicken Stir-fry with Ginger Green Beans

With a brilliant ginger-soy sauce, the chicken slices and crisp green beans are combined and cooked at a high temperature.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast thinly sliced
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

 

1. Toss sliced chicken with cornstarch.
2. Stir-fry chicken in hot oil 4-5 minutes until browned, then set aside.
3. Add green beans and stir-fry 4 minutes until blistered.
4. Return chicken with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
5. Toss 2 minutes until glossy and serve over rice.

Notes

Get the pan ripping hot so the chicken sears instead of steams.

3) Spicy Honey Chicken and Green Bean Skillet

An easy sweet heat recipe with everything in one pan, because nobody wants to do extra dishes during a long work week!

Spicy Honey Chicken and Green Bean Skillet

Sticky honey chili sauce crispy chicken bites and green beans.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken thighs cubed
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

Method

 

1. Sear cubed chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through, then set aside.
2. Add green beans to the skillet and cook 5 minutes.
3. Whisk honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes together.
4. Return chicken, pour in the sauce, and toss until everything is sticky.
5. Simmer 2 minutes until glazed and serve.

Notes

Dial the sriracha up or down depending on who's at the table.

4) Garlic Butter Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans

This is great with garlic butter!

Garlic Butter Chicken with Sautéed Green Beans

Wonderful chicken and green beans tossed in a savory garlic butter pan sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Season and sear chicken in 2 tablespoons butter 6-7 minutes per side, then remove.
2. Melt remaining butter and saute garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add green beans and cook 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Return chicken and spoon the garlic butter over the top.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Don't let the garlic brown or it turns bitter; low and slow is the move.

5) Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Roasted Green Beans

Your kids will be asking you over and over again for the crispy chicken.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Roasted Green Beans

Chicken breasts coated in a crunchy parmesan crust and roasted garlic green beans.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 0.75 cup grated Parmesan
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 eggs beaten
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Method

 

1. Dip chicken in beaten egg, then press into a mix of Parmesan, panko, and garlic powder.
2. Place on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Toss green beans with oil and arrange around the chicken.
4. Roast at 425F for 22-25 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through.
5. Rest 5 minutes, then serve.

Notes

A wire rack under the chicken keeps the crust crisp on all sides.

6) Teriyaki Chicken and Green Beans Bowl

This rice bowl is made for a stay-at-home and treat yourself kind of vibe!

Teriyaki Chicken and Green Beans Bowl

This dish includes sticky teriyaki chicken and green beans served over rice.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken thighs cubed
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 0.33 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Method

 

1. Sear cubed chicken in oil until browned and cooked through.
2. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes.
3. Pour in teriyaki sauce and honey, tossing until glazed.
4. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sticky.
5. Spoon over rice and finish with sesame seeds and scallions.

Notes

Day-old rice works beautifully here and keeps the bowl from going mushy.

7) Cajun Chicken with Charred Green Beans

The bold smoky flavors add a little attitude to this meal and make it ready to go!

Cajun Chicken with Charred Green Beans

These dishes feature Cajun-spiced chicken, which has been seared to create a dark outer layer. Smoky, charred green beans accompany the chicken.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Rub chicken all over with Cajun seasoning.
2. Sear in olive oil 6-7 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through, then rest.
3. In the same hot pan, char green beans 5-6 minutes with garlic and paprika.
4. Season the beans with salt and toss.
5. Slice the chicken and serve over the charred beans.

Notes

Leave the green beans undisturbed for a minute to get that real char.

8) Rosemary Chicken and Balsamic Green Beans

This is rustic and herby and always reminds me of Sunday dinner.

Rosemary Chicken and Balsamic Green Beans

Chicken with rosemary and green beans with tangy balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.75 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Rub chicken with rosemary, salt, and a little olive oil.
2. Sear 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove.
3. Add green beans and garlic to the pan and cook 5 minutes.
4. Pour in balsamic vinegar and simmer until it coats the beans.
5. Return chicken to warm through and serve.

Notes

A drizzle of honey in the balsamic mellows the tang if you like it sweeter.

9) Thai Basil Chicken with Green Beans

Your family will fall in love with the flavor and the small amount of heat in this dish. It will be done in twenty minutes!

Thai Basil Chicken with Green Beans

Thai basil stir-fried chicken and green beans with chili and garlic.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb ground chicken
• 1 lb green beans cut into pieces
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 2 Thai chilies minced

Method

 

1. Stir-fry garlic and chilies in oil 30 seconds.
2. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up.
3. Toss in green beans and stir-fry 4-5 minutes.
4. Add fish sauce and soy sauce and cook 2 minutes.
5. Stir in Thai basil until just wilted and serve over rice.

Notes

Add the basil at the very end so it stays bright and fragrant.

10) Chicken and Green Bean Casserole

You can eat comfort food any day of the year; you don’t have to wait for a holiday to do it!

Chicken and Green Bean Casserole

Succulent chicken and green beans baked in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crunchy fried onion straws.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb cooked chicken shredded
• 1.5 lb green beans trimmed
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 0.75 cup milk
• 1.5 cups crispy fried onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Method

 

1. Blanch green beans 4 minutes, then drain.
2. Stir together soup, milk, garlic powder, and half the cheese.
3. Fold in chicken and green beans and spread in a baking dish.
4. Top with remaining cheese and the fried onions.
5. Bake at 375F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Add the fried onions for the last 15 minutes only so they stay crunchy.

11) Mediterranean Chicken and Green Beans

Great flavors that change your ordinary weeknight into a little vacation.

Mediterranean Chicken and Green Beans

Herbed chicken and green beans with tomatoes, olives, and lemon.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives pitted
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 lemon juiced

Method

 

1. Sear cubed chicken in olive oil with oregano until golden and cooked through.
2. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes.
3. Toss in cherry tomatoes and olives and cook 3 minutes until softened.
4. Finish with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
5. Serve with crumbled feta if you like.

Notes

A handful of feta crumbled over the top sends this right over the edge.

12) Honey Dijon Chicken and Green Bean Salad

This is an example of a warm salad that has a crunch and will fill you up.

Honey Dijon Chicken and Green Bean Salad

Sliced honey-Dijon chicken served with blanched green beans and a tangy mustard dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 cup sliced almonds toasted

Method

 

1. Whisk Dijon, honey, olive oil, and vinegar into a dressing.
2. Brush chicken with some dressing and sear 6-7 minutes per side, then slice.
3. Blanch green beans 4 minutes and shock in ice water.
4. Toss the beans with most of the remaining dressing.
5. Top with sliced chicken and toasted almonds and drizzle the last of the dressing.

Notes

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature; both are delicious.

13) Chicken and Green Bean Sheet Pan Dinner

Dinner cooks itself with little to no cleanup because everything is done in one pan.

Chicken and Green Bean Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken seasoned and roasted with green beans on a single pan until they are both golden and tender.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 1 lb baby potatoes halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.75 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Toss potatoes with oil and seasoning and roast at 425F for 15 minutes.
2. Push potatoes aside and add chicken to the pan.
3. Roast 10 minutes more.
4. Add green beans, drizzle with oil, and roast a final 10 minutes.
5. Check chicken is cooked through and serve straight off the pan.

Notes

Giving the potatoes a head start keeps everything finishing at the same time.

14) Pesto Chicken with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Basil pesto is a great way to add flavor to chicken for dinner during the week.

Pesto Chicken with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Pesto chicken with green beans and burst cherry tomatoes all in one bright skillet.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 0.33 cup basil pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup shaved Parmesan

Method

 

1. Sear cubed chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
2. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes.
3. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst.
4. Stir in pesto until everything is coated.
5. Top with shaved Parmesan and serve.

Notes

Stir the pesto in off the heat to keep its color fresh and green.

15) Italian Chicken and Green Bean Bake

With plenty of gooey cheese and rich sauce, you’ll want to get seconds!

Italian Chicken and Green Bean Bake

Marinara chicken and green beans topped with gooey mozzarella.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 2.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan

Method

 

1. Toss chicken and green beans with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
2. Spread in a baking dish and pour marinara over the top.
3. Cover with foil and bake at 400F for 20 minutes.
4. Uncover, scatter on the mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake 12-15 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so it sets up a bit.

16) Sesame Chicken and Green Beans

This version is better than what you get in the takeaway box, it is nutty and delicious.

Sesame Chicken and Green Beans

Toasted sesame seeds on crispy chicken and green beans in sesame sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

 

1. Sear cubed chicken in vegetable oil until browned and cooked through.
2. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes.
3. Whisk soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil together.
4. Pour the sauce over and toss until glossy.
5. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Notes

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute for big nutty flavor.

17) Chicken Fajitas with Green Beans

A fun variation for fajitas that adds some greens to the mix.

Chicken Fajitas with Green Beans

Fajita-spiced chicken with peppers and green beans is ready to be wrapped in warm tortillas.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast sliced
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 2 bell peppers sliced
• 1 onion sliced
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 8 flour tortillas

Method

 

1. Toss sliced chicken with fajita seasoning.
2. Sear chicken in olive oil over high heat until browned, then set aside.
3. Add peppers, onion, and green beans and saute 6-7 minutes until charred.
4. Return chicken and toss together 2 minutes.
5. Serve sizzling with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Notes

Warm the tortillas in a dry pan so they fold without cracking.

18) Barbecue Chicken and Green Bean Kebabs

Smoky BBQ kebabs will have you living that cookout lifestyle, even on a weeknight dinner!

Barbecue Chicken and Green Bean Kebabs

Barbecued chicken pieces and green beans grilled until sticky and charred.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
2. Thread chicken and folded green beans alternately onto skewers.
3. Grill over medium-high heat 5 minutes per side.
4. Brush with barbecue sauce and grill 3-4 minutes more until sticky and charred.
5. Rest a couple minutes, then serve.

Notes

Blanch the green beans for 2 minutes first if you like them softer.

19) Cheesy Chicken and Green Bean Bake

You'll feel so good inside about the meal you ate as well as having a perfectly clean plate!

Cheesy Chicken and Green Bean Bake

Chicken and green beans are baked in a creamy cheesy sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1.5 lb green beans trimmed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup cream cheese softened
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.75 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Blanch green beans 4 minutes and drain.
2. Sear cubed chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. Whisk cream, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and half the cheddar into a sauce.
4. Combine chicken, green beans, and sauce in a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake at 375F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Broil for the last 2 minutes if you want a deep golden top.

20) Apricot Glazed Chicken and Green Beans

Try this wonderful apricot glaze to make these basic chicken recipes more exciting!

Apricot Glazed Chicken and Green Beans

Chicken and green beans coated in an apricot sauce with a touch of dijon mustard.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 0.5 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil 6-7 minutes per side, then remove.
2. Add green beans to the pan and cook 5 minutes.
3. Whisk apricot preserves, Dijon, and soy sauce together.
4. Return chicken, pour in the glaze, and simmer until thickened.
5. Spoon the apricot glaze over everything and serve.

Notes

A pinch of red pepper flakes balances the sweetness nicely.

21) Curried Chicken and Green Bean Soup

This is mildly spiced dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a warm 'hug' or some comfort.

Curried Chicken and Green Bean Soup

Chicken and green beans are cooked in a creamy coconut curry broth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.25 lb chicken breast cubed
• 1 lb green beans cut into pieces
• 1 can coconut milk
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced

Method

 

1. Saute onion and garlic in oil until soft.
2. Stir in curry powder and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken, broth, and coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. Add green beans and cook 8 more minutes, then serve with rice or naan.

Notes

Finish with a squeeze of lime to brighten the whole pot.