Name: Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Garlic and Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skinless; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound green beans, trimmed; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; ½ cup chicken stock; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or juice of ½ lemon); 1 tablespoon Sriracha or sweet chili sauce (optional); ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 25 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, the Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Garlic and Chili Recipe will become your new favorite weeknight meal. This recipe bursts with the rich savor of perfectly seasoned chicken thighs or breasts, paired with tender green beans enlivened by garlic, a hint of chili heat, and a bright splash of lemon. It’s an effortless, wholesome plate that balances freshness and spice in one skillet, making dinner time a delicious, fuss-free experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with five pieces of reddish-brown cooked chicken thighs arranged on the left side, each piece garnished with small green herb bits and coarse salt, topped with three bright yellow lemon wedges. On the right side, there is a large pile of vibrant green cooked green beans, also sprinkled with herbs and salt, with two lemon wedges placed on top. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a light beige cloth partially visible below it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. From the buttery richness and the fragrant garlic to the gentle heat of chili, they come together beautifully to create a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

4-6 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skinless: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; both soak up the seasoning wonderfully.
1 pound green beans, trimmed: Fresh and crisp, these bring vibrant color and a satisfying snap to the dish.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds creamy richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
1 tablespoon avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for searing the chicken.
1 teaspoon each paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano or Italian seasoning: A savory spice blend that layers deep flavor into every bite.
½ teaspoon each salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with its signature pungent and aromatic punch.
1 tablespoon Sriracha or sweet chili sauce (optional): For those who love a subtle heat and a touch of sweetness.
¼ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional): Adds a warming kick that complements the garlic perfectly.
½ cup chicken stock: Keeps the chicken moist and helps create a flavorful pan sauce.
1 tablespoon lemon juice, or juice of ½ lemon: Brightens and balances the richness with refreshing acidity.

How to Make Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Garlic and Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels — this helps achieve a beautiful, golden crust. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken to ensure each piece is bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the green beans and sauté until they start to soften and blister, roughly 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili flakes, and if you’re using, the Sriracha or sweet chili sauce, stirring quickly for about 1 minute so the garlic softens without burning.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Return the chicken to the skillet nestling it among the green beans. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let everything simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the green beans are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken and green beans. This final touch brightens the whole dish, balancing the richness and giving the flavors a fresh pop that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Garlic and Chili Recipe

A round white plate holds three main parts: at the top right, a layer of light brown cooked rice with scattered green herbs sits as the base layer; on top of the rice, two pieces of dark brown grilled chicken are placed side by side, showing a textured, slightly charred surface dotted with small green herb pieces; to the left, a pile of cooked green beans laid in a small mound with visible seasoning and a lemon slice resting on top near the chicken. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a silver fork at the right edge of the plate and part of a beige linen cloth beneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish to add a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of green color. A few extra chili flakes on top can also boost the heat if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

This skillet meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the garlicky pan sauce. For a lighter option, toss together a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the lemon’s brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the chicken atop a bed of buttery couscous or creamy polenta to add another layer of comfort. Alternatively, serve it family-style right from the skillet to encourage sharing and conviviality at the table — it looks so inviting and rustic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Garlic and Chili Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully after resting, making it perfect for next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, although the texture of green beans may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a shallow airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding any fresh garnishes or lemon juice.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water can help keep the dish moist. Alternatively, use your microwave with short bursts of heat, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will take a bit longer to cook, but it adds extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for doneness carefully.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can easily skip the chili flakes and Sriracha or use just a tiny pinch to keep the dish mild while still enjoying the wonderful garlic and herb flavors.

Are green beans the only vegetable that works here?

Not at all! Feel free to experiment with asparagus, snap peas, or broccoli for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s texture.

Can this be made gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken stock and any sauces used do not contain gluten. Always check labels if you’re unsure.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The juices should also run clear when you cut into the thickest part.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Skillet Chicken and Green Beans with Garlic and Chili Recipe that makes it a dependable crowd-pleaser any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful green beans, and that perfect zing of garlic and chili creates a comforting meal you’ll want to revisit again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own treasured recipe!