Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

$- Chicken Breast Specifications You need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They should be fresh for the best taste. - Green Beans as a Key Component Use 1 pound of fresh green beans. Trim them to keep them tender and bright. - Additional Flavoring Ingredients Gather these items for extra flavor: - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient adds a unique taste. The chicken brings protein. The green beans add crunch and color. Garlic and lemon give depth. Oregano adds freshness. Together, they create a dish that feels complete and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to Prepare Marinade To make the marinade, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mix adds great flavor to the chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken breasts well in this marinade. Importance of Marinating Time Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is key. It helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. If you have more time, try marinating for a few hours. This will make your chicken even tastier. Blanching Process Explained While the chicken marinates, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. This will make them bright green and slightly tender. Do not overcook them. Ice Bath Technique After blanching, quickly place the green beans in a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking right away, keeping them crisp and bright. After a few minutes, drain the beans and set them aside. Skillet Cooking Method Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden-brown and cooked through. Tips for Checking Doneness To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; it should be white with no pink. Incorporating Leftover Juices In the same skillet with the leftover juices, add the blanched green beans. This adds extra flavor to the beans. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they are hot and coated in the oils. Flavor Enhancements During Sautéing While sautéing, taste and adjust seasoning. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you want. This step helps keep the green beans flavorful. How to Plate Professionally Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on a nice platter with the sautéed green beans. Place the beans next to the chicken for a vibrant look. Garnishing with Fresh Ingredients For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and beans. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side. This not only looks good but adds a pop of flavor. Avoiding Dry Chicken Breasts To keep chicken breasts moist, marinate them well. Use olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Marinating helps the chicken absorb flavor and moisture. Cook the chicken over medium heat. This helps prevent drying out. Always let it rest after cooking. This allows the juices to settle. Optimal Cooking Temperatures The best cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown outside. This usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side. Don’t rush; let it cook evenly. Alternative Seasonings and Herbs You can switch up the spices for new flavors. Try using thyme, rosemary, or basil. These herbs add a unique touch to the dish. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. Experiment to find what you love. Adding Heat with Red Pepper Flakes If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken. This adds a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you want it spicier. Best Side Dishes to Accompany Chicken and Green Beans A fresh salad goes well with this meal. You can also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. These sides balance the meal and add texture. For a light option, try a quinoa salad. Wine Pairing Recommendations A crisp white wine pairs nicely with chicken. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the lemon flavor in the dish. If you prefer red, opt for a light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir. Pro Tips Marination Matters: Allow the chicken to marinate for longer than 30 minutes if possible, even up to overnight, to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Perfectly Blanched Beans: Ensure you plunge the green beans into ice water immediately after blanching to keep their vibrant color and crisp texture. Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley not only add a pop of color but also enhance the dish's overall flavor profile; consider adding fresh basil or thyme for variation. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Turkey works well, too. It has a similar taste and texture. For a richer flavor, try duck. If you prefer seafood, shrimp is a fantastic choice. Just remember to adjust cooking times. You can use different beans for variety. Instead of green beans, try asparagus or snap peas. Both add crunch and color. You can also use canned beans like kidney or black beans. Just rinse them before cooking. If you need gluten-free options, you’re in luck! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your chicken and seasoning for hidden gluten. Use fresh herbs to add flavor without gluten. For vegetarian options, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both soak up flavors well. You can marinate them just like chicken. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken juices for extra taste. Explore international flavors by changing your spices. Try adding curry powder for an Indian twist. For a Mexican flair, include cumin and lime. Both will transform your dish into something exciting. Don’t forget about citrus zest! Aside from lemon, use lime or orange zest. Each gives a unique taste. You can mix zests for a bright, fresh flavor. This adds an extra layer to your meal. To keep your chicken and green beans fresh, follow these tips: - Use Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors from mixing. - Cool Before Storing: Allow the food to cool to room temperature before sealing. This prevents condensation inside the container. How long do the ingredients last? - Cooked Chicken: Store for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. - Green Beans: They can last for about 3 days after cooking. To enjoy your leftovers without drying them out, use these methods: - Microwave: Place chicken and green beans on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or broth. Cook for a few minutes until warmed through. Safety is key when reheating food: - Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating. - Avoid Reheating More Than Once: Reheat only what you plan to eat. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is done. If not, cook it a few more minutes and check again. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. For best results, marinate the chicken the night before. This allows flavors to soak in well. You can also blanch the green beans in advance. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to sauté them. This makes cooking easy and quick when you are ready to eat. Fresh green beans work best for sautéing. They stay crisp and bright. You can also use haricot verts, which are thinner and more tender. Make sure to trim the ends before cooking. This simple prep keeps the beans looking nice on your plate. This blog post covered everything you need to make a tasty chicken and green bean dish. We explored the key ingredients, like juicy chicken and fresh green beans. I gave step-by-step instructions to make it easy for you. The tips shared help you cook perfectly and enhance flavors. Remember, you can modify the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different proteins and spices. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh. Follow these steps, and you'll impress everyone with your cooking skills. Happy cooking!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

A flavorful chicken dish marinated in lemon and garlic, served with sautéed green beans.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 piece zest of 1 lemon
1 piece juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
While the chicken marinates, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for about 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain again and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior. Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
In the same skillet with the remaining oil and juices from the chicken, add the blanched green beans. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through and coated with the garlicky oil. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter alongside the sautéed green beans. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve the chicken and green beans on a vibrant platter, and drizzle some of the pan juices over them for added flavor. You can also place a lemon wedge on the side for an appealing touch.

Keyword chicken, garlic, green beans, healthy, lemon