Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated—this Easy Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe proves it. It’s simple, delicious, and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights when adulting feels extra hard.
Why Make This Recipe
This Easy Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Why? Because it’s an all-in-one meal that’s perfectly balanced and full of flavor, without the need for complicated steps or exotic ingredients. If you’re trying to get a healthy and hearty dinner on the table fast, this is the perfect choice.
Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the green beans, and carbs from the potatoes, this dish will keep you full and satisfied. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder! That means less mess and less cleanup, which is a total win when you’re juggling a busy schedule. The Italian dressing mix gives the dish a burst of herby, savory flavor that everyone will love, and the melted butter? Well, it makes everything taste better—it’s comfort food at its finest.
Another reason to love this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily switch up the veggies or even add extra ingredients like carrots or bell peppers. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a couple of friends, or the whole family, this meal will always hit the spot.
This dish is not only simple, but it also requires minimal effort. You can throw everything in the pan, bake, and forget about it until it’s time to eat. It’s so easy, even when you feel like adulting is hard, you can still get dinner done without stress!
How to Make Easy Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 2–3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 3–5 small to medium potatoes, cubed
- 2 cans green beans (or 1 ½ cans if you prefer less)
- 1 package dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 stick butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the cubed chicken, potatoes, and green beans in a large baking pan. Spread everything out evenly for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. Be sure it’s spread across everything so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Drizzle the melted butter across the top of the ingredients. The butter will melt as it cooks, creating a delicious sauce that soaks into everything.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil. This helps steam the ingredients, keeping them tender and juicy.
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check the chicken for doneness and ensure the potatoes are soft.
- Remove the foil, give everything a quick stir, and serve warm. Enjoy the ease of this one-pan meal!
How to Serve Easy Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans
This dish is perfect for serving family-style, right out of the pan, making it ideal for a relaxed and comforting meal. The buttery sauce adds so much flavor, and the combination of chicken, potatoes, and green beans will have everyone coming back for more. To complete the meal, serve it with warm rolls or some crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all the sauce. A fresh side salad, with some crisp greens and a light vinaigrette, will balance the richness of the dish and add a refreshing contrast.
For a hearty, no-fuss meal, this is a perfect choice for family dinners or when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Store Easy Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’re in for a treat! This dish holds up really well and actually tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
To store the leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Alternatively, you can even enjoy it cold the next day, straight from the fridge. It makes a great quick lunch or snack, and the flavors have had even more time to meld together, making it even tastier.
Tips to Make Easy Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans
- Use fresh green beans: If you want a bit more crunch and texture, consider using fresh green beans instead of canned. Simply trim the ends and add them to the pan like you would with the canned version.
- Cut the potatoes and chicken into even pieces: For even cooking, try to cut both the potatoes and chicken into similar sizes. This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate and gets tender at the same time.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder: If you want to boost the flavor even more, add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder on top of the Italian seasoning. These little additions will take the dish to the next level.
- Use a high-quality Italian seasoning mix: The seasoning blend is key to the flavor. Using a high-quality Italian seasoning mix or making your own with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can make a big difference.
- Don’t skip the butter: The butter isn’t just for flavor; it helps create a rich sauce that brings everything together. Don’t substitute it with olive oil unless you need to.
- Add extra veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to throw in some bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the chicken and potatoes.
- Make sure to cover the pan with foil: This ensures the chicken stays moist and the potatoes cook through without drying out. Don’t forget this step!
- Check the potatoes for doneness: Potatoes can take different amounts of time to cook, depending on their size. Check for tenderness by poking them with a fork. If they’re still hard, cover the pan and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Use a large enough pan: If you have too many ingredients, the pan may become overcrowded, making it harder for everything to cook evenly. Use a large baking dish or a couple of pans if needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Once the dish is out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil over the top for added color and flavor. This simple touch will make the meal even more delicious.
Variation
Cheesy Upgrade
For a deliciously cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the dish about 10 minutes before the end of the baking time. Let the cheese melt and become golden and bubbly. This will give your Easy Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans an irresistible cheesy crust that adds a comforting richness to the meal.
Spicy Twist
If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Italian dressing mix before sprinkling it over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. The red pepper flakes will infuse the dish with a spicy kick, warming up the flavors and giving it an extra layer of depth. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your food!
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version of this meal, simply skip the chicken and either replace it with cubed tofu or load the dish with extra veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini are excellent additions, adding color, texture, and nutrition. If you use tofu, make sure to press it first to remove any excess moisture before cubing and adding it to the pan. The dish will still be hearty and satisfying without the meat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the pan. They’ll cook nicely, and the texture will remain great.
Q: What type of potatoes work best?
A: Small red potatoes, Yukon golds, or even russet potatoes are all great options. Choose whatever you prefer or have on hand!
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, making them a great substitution.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the chicken, potatoes, and green beans in the pan, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or any other veggies you like. Just chop them to a similar size as the potatoes so they cook evenly.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients in the Italian dressing mix to ensure they are gluten-free if needed.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While butter gives the best flavor, you can substitute with margarine if needed. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ slightly.