If you want a flavorful, healthy meal that comes together in one pan, this Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is a must-try. Juicy chunks of chicken and crisp-tender green beans are tossed in a glossy honey-garlic soy sauce that’s sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of easy recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a perfectly balanced dish that’s as good for you as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Garlic Chicken
Quick, Fresh, and Packed with Flavor
This recipe combines the richness of seared chicken with the freshness of crisp green beans, all tied together by an irresistible sauce. Garlic and honey create a beautiful contrast—sweet meets savory—while soy sauce and chicken broth add that restaurant-quality depth. Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you both time and cleanup. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor.
A One-Pan Wonder
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By cooking everything in one pan, you capture all the flavors as they build layer by layer. The chicken browns beautifully, the beans stay bright and tender, and the sauce thickens into a glossy finish. It’s a meal that looks as impressive as it tastes. For another crowd-pleasing chicken dinner, try Baked Melt In Your Mouth Chicken, a creamy baked favorite that’s equally satisfying.
📄 Want to keep this recipe for later? Download your printable PDF version now and start cooking anytime!
📥 Download Recipe PDF✅ Print-friendly • 🕒 Save for later • 📱 Mobile-accessible
💡 Want more like this? Subscribe for weekly printable recipes!
Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe
Description
Juicy chicken chunks and crisp green beans tossed in a sweet and savory honey-garlic soy glaze. A one-pan dinner that’s healthy, quick, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil + 1 teaspoon (divided)
2½ cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add green beans and sauté 3–4 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
2. Wipe the pan clean and heat remaining oil over high heat.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Return green beans to the pan and toss with chicken.
6. In a bowl, whisk chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water.
7. Pour soy mixture into skillet, stir, then add cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken and beans.
8. Serve hot with rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Substitute shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Fresh green beans give the best texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
The Ingredients That Make It Work
Simple Ingredients, Big Results
You only need a few pantry staples to make this recipe shine. The essentials include boneless chicken breasts, fresh green beans, garlic, soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil. The balance of flavors comes from these everyday items. The soy sauce provides savory depth, honey adds sweetness, and garlic brings that signature aroma and kick that ties it all together. Cornstarch helps the sauce thicken just right, coating every bite in flavor.
Why Fresh Ingredients Matter
Fresh green beans make all the difference in this recipe. They stay crisp-tender and vibrant, adding both color and texture to the dish. Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced ensures a bold, aromatic sauce. And while you can use water instead of broth, chicken broth enhances the overall richness. Simple swaps and fresh ingredients elevate this recipe from everyday to extraordinary.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Step 1: Sauté the Green Beans
Heat one teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until they start to soften but still retain a slight crunch. Their bright green color is a sign they’re cooked just right. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. This quick sauté keeps them fresh while allowing you to reuse the same skillet for the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Wipe the skillet clean and turn the heat up to high. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet in a single layer and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures that every piece cooks evenly and gets a beautiful crust. Add the minced garlic during the final 30 seconds, stirring just until fragrant.
Building the Perfect Sauce
Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Green Beans
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, return the green beans to the skillet. Stir to mix everything evenly, letting the beans absorb some of that garlicky flavor. The contrast between the crisp beans and juicy chicken creates a perfect texture balance that makes this dish so satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the soy-honey mixture over the chicken and green beans, stirring well. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. It will turn glossy and cling to the chicken and beans beautifully.
Why This Recipe Is Foolproof
Simple Steps, Big Flavor
Each step in this recipe builds on the last. Cooking the beans first locks in their texture. Searing the chicken next gives it flavor and a slight crispness. Finally, the sauce brings it all together in a luscious glaze that coats every bite. It’s a balance of sweetness from the honey, saltiness from the soy sauce, and richness from the garlic that makes it irresistible.
Healthy and Satisfying
This dish is both healthy and filling. Lean protein from the chicken and vitamins from the green beans make it a balanced meal. The light sauce adds flavor without being heavy, making it a great alternative to takeout. Serve it with rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete meal that tastes indulgent but feels wholesome.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
The Best Ways to Serve It
Garlic chicken and green beans pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles. The sauce soaks into the grains, creating a delicious bite every time. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a pop of flavor and texture.
Creative Variations
This recipe is endlessly versatile. Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein. Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for extra color and crunch. For a spicy twist, toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. You can even double the sauce if you prefer a saucier dish—it’s great for drizzling over rice.
Pro Tips for Success
Perfect the Sear
For golden chicken, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side. Moving it too early can prevent browning. A proper sear not only adds flavor but also locks in juices, keeping the chicken tender inside.
Get the Sauce Texture Just Right
The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, let it simmer for another minute. Stir constantly after adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, shiny finish.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overcooking the Green Beans
Green beans can go from crisp-tender to mushy quickly. Cook them just until they brighten in color and are slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking when added back to the pan with the sauce.
Burning the Garlic
Garlic cooks fast, especially on high heat. Always add it after the chicken is nearly cooked, and stir continuously for about 30 seconds. Burnt garlic turns bitter and can overpower the dish, so timing is key.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first. Fresh green beans, however, give a better crunch and color.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs add more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and beans in advance, then reheat them with the sauce when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Skillet Recipe is everything a great weeknight dinner should be—fast, healthy, flavorful, and easy to clean up. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and glossy honey-garlic sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen. It’s a meal that satisfies every craving while keeping things light and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. One skillet, one sauce, and endless flavor—dinner doesn’t get easier or better than this.