One Pan Creamy Balsamic Chicken & Green Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
Balanced Nutrition: Combines lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Rich, Tangy Flavor: The creamy balsamic sauce adds depth and a delightful tang to the dish.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different proteins or vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Fresh green beans, trimmed
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Dijon mustard
Honey
Plain Greek yogurt
Salt and black pepper
Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and Greek yogurt until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the prepared balsamic sauce over the chicken and beans. Stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or pork chops.
Vegetable Additions: Include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make the sauce.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your Dijon mustard and other condiments are certified gluten-free.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese can add extra flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and may offer more flavor due to their higher fat content.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can substitute with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Can I add garlic to the sauce?

Certainly. Minced garlic can be sautéed with the green beans or added to the sauce for extra flavor.

Conclusion

One Pan Creamy Balsamic Chicken & Green Beans is a flavorful, nutritious, and convenient meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, tangy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this one-skillet wonder!