Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans is my kind of weeknight dinner—simple, wholesome, and ready with very little effort. With tender, juicy chicken breasts and crisp-tender green beans baked together on one pan, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights when I want a meal that’s both healthy and family-approved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dish because it’s straightforward, versatile, and doesn’t leave me with a pile of dishes. The chicken comes out flavorful and juicy, while the green beans roast to perfection right alongside it. It’s one of those meals that I can set in the oven and forget while I help the kids with homework or finish up emails. Plus, it pairs easily with rice, potatoes, or even just a slice of crusty bread.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano/thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, I mix the olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
I place the chicken breasts on one side of the baking sheet and the green beans on the other.
I drizzle the seasoning mixture over both the chicken and green beans, tossing the beans to coat them evenly.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the beans are crisp-tender.
I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, then serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so dinner is on the table in about 35 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers to the pan for extra color and flavor. If I’m craving spice, I sprinkle red pepper flakes over the beans. For a heartier version, I coat the chicken with Parmesan cheese before baking, or swap the breasts for chicken thighs for even more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and beans in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or in the microwave in short bursts. If I make a larger batch, it also works well for meal prep.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but I thaw them first and pat them dry so they don’t release too much water while roasting.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
I avoid overbaking by checking the chicken with a meat thermometer and letting it rest before slicing. A quick marinade also helps keep it juicy.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Definitely. I sear the chicken in a skillet until cooked through, then sauté the green beans with garlic and oil on the side.
What seasonings go well with this?
I often switch it up with Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or even a honey-mustard glaze on the chicken.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! I cook everything ahead, portion it into containers with rice or cauliflower rice, and have grab-and-go meals ready for the week.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With minimal prep, one pan, and simple ingredients, I get a balanced, satisfying meal that my whole family enjoys—without the stress or the mess.
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Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans is a healthy, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring juicy baked chicken and crisp-tender green beans. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a wholesome and family-friendly meal ready in just 35 minutes.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano/thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Place chicken breasts on one side of the baking sheet and green beans on the other.
- Drizzle seasoning mixture over both, tossing beans to coat evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and beans are crisp-tender.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Add cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers for color and flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over beans for spice.
- Coat chicken with Parmesan for a richer version.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor.
- Works great for meal prep with rice or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg