Braised Chicken And String Beans
A hearty braised chicken and green beans dish featuring savory tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, tender meat and crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a kettle on the stove and bring water to a boil.
- Snap green beans into desired lengths, wash in cool water, and drain.
- Add green beans to boiling water and precook for 20 minutes.
- Drain the green beans and set aside.
- Wash chicken pieces in cool water, drain, and pat dry to remove excess water.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or pot.
- Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes, chicken bouillon granules, and sugar.
- Simmer the chicken and sauce mixture for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Add the precooked green beans to the chicken and sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when sautéing the onions. If you don’t have chicken bouillon granules, you can use chicken broth instead. For a lighter option, substitute skinless chicken pieces and reduce the butter and oil. Also, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. A fresh garden salad or steamed rice pairs beautifully with the braised chicken and string beans, enhancing the overall meal experience. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Chicken And String Beans contains roughly 1058 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just add them directly to the pot without pre-cooking. They will take a little longer to heat through, but will still work well in this recipe.
What can I substitute for the tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or even a bit of ketchup in a pinch. Keep in mind that using crushed tomatoes will increase the liquid content, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. You can also serve it with a spicy hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).