Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans is one of those rare recipes that manages to be incredibly hearty, boldly flavorful, and delightfully quick—all in one beautiful skillet. This dish highlights the smoky magic of bacon combined with juicy chicken and the bright snap of green beans, finished with garlic and a touch of lemon. It’s a weeknight hero for families, a meal-prep champion, and guaranteed comfort food that never feels heavy or fussy. If you want fresh, colorful ingredients that come together fast but will have everyone asking for seconds, this is the answer!

Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how basic but crucial these ingredients are—nothing fancy, just bold, fresh flavors that really shine. Each one brings something special, from texture to color to the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Chicken thighs or breasts (1 pound, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Chicken is the juicy, protein-rich heart of this dish—choose thighs for richness or breasts for a leaner option.
Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Smoky, savory bacon crisps up beautifully and infuses every bite with deep flavor.
Fresh green beans (1 pound, trimmed): Crisp green beans add color, texture, and a healthy crunch that balances the rich bacon and tender chicken.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic gives the whole dish a warm, irresistible aroma and keeps the flavors lively.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash for sautéing, ensuring everything gets a golden, flavorful sear.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): To enhance and bring out every ingredient’s best natural flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a gentle kick and a little zest in every forkful.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional): A bright finishing touch to lift the whole dish and make the green beans pop.

How to Make Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by tossing your chopped bacon into a large skillet over medium heat. Let it cook down, rendering out that glorious fat and turning perfectly crisp. Once it’s golden, scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan—which is where the real magic begins!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

If there’s not quite enough fat left in the skillet, add a hit of olive oil. Drop in your chicken pieces and sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper. Let the chicken brown undisturbed for real caramelization, then give it a stir and let it finish cooking through—about 6 to 8 minutes total. The chicken should be beautiful and golden before moving on.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Toss in that minced garlic and stir for just a minute—enough for it to go fragrant without scorching. Garlic doesn’t need long to work its magic here, and it’ll make the whole kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans

Now, pile in the green beans and toss everything together so the beans get a gorgeous coating of bacon fat and garlicky goodness. Pop a lid on the skillet and let the beans steam and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll turn bright green and gain a tender, crisp bite. Don’t let them go soft—you want some snap!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Tip the cooked bacon back into the pan and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, toss in red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, and squeeze over some fresh lemon juice to brighten it all up. Serve hot and dig into your Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans feast!

How to Serve Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs—like chopped parsley or chives—adds color and a pop of freshness on top. A little extra squeeze of lemon or even some shaved parmesan elevates the flavors beautifully and turns your Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans into a true showstopper.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines with simple sides! Try serving it over a fluffy bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of savory juice. Crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up, or add a crisp side salad for a touch of cool crunch to contrast the warmth of the skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans in individual bowls for a cozy meal, pile it into a pita or wrap for a handheld spin, or spoon it over pasta for a whole new twist. Even top it with a fried or poached egg for brunch vibes! This recipe adapts beautifully to whatever mood strikes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cool any extra Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more after a day—sometimes it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into sealed freezer containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Just keep in mind that green beans can soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will still sing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in increments, covered, until piping hot—just try not to overcook so everything stays tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just add them straight from the freezer and increase the cooking time by a few minutes. While fresh green beans offer the best crispness, frozen ones will still bring great color and flavor.

Is turkey bacon a good substitute for regular bacon?

Absolutely. Turkey bacon works well if you’re looking for a leaner option—just keep an eye on it, as it crisps up a little faster than pork bacon and won’t render quite as much fat, so you may need a bit more olive oil.

What type Main Course

Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully. Thighs offer a juicier, richer bite, while breasts are lighter and cook up just as tender—pick your favorite or mix it up!

How can I make Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans spicier?

Crushed red pepper flakes are your friend here, or even a pinch of cayenne. You can also sauté a bit of diced jalapeño with the garlic for an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Can this recipe be meal-prepped for the week?

Absolutely! Make a big batch of Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans on Sunday, then portion it out for easy lunches or quick dinners—it reheats wonderfully and keeps its flavor all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, colorful, and ready in a flash, this Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans recipe never disappoints. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite—invite some friends over, give it a try, and let this easy skillet dinner become a beloved staple at your table.

Bacon, Chicken and Green Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh green beans, all cooked together with garlic and seasonings for a flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick dinner option that is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rest of the Dish:

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Add olive oil to the skillet, then cook the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through.
Add Ingredients: Add garlic, green beans, and toss to coat in bacon fat and garlic. Cover and cook until green beans are tender-crisp.
Combine and Serve: Return cooked bacon to the pan, stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Serve warm.