This rich, buttery one-pan meal is loaded with flavor and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Here’s a step-by-step guide with plenty of details to make this dish shine!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 2-3 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes, about 1-2 inches)
- 4-5 small to medium potatoes (Yukon Gold, red, or russet; scrubbed, peeled if desired, and cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 cans green beans (15 oz each, drained; or 2-3 cups of fresh green beans trimmed and halved)
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (about 0.7 oz, or make your own seasoning blend; see notes below)
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter (melted; salted butter works, too, for a bit more flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste; optional if using salted butter)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish after baking)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This ensures a nice texture and helps the seasoning stick. Cut into bite-sized cubes (around 1-2 inches).
- Potatoes: Cube the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. If you like crispy edges, toss the potatoes in a small drizzle of olive oil before placing them in the dish.
- Green Beans: Drain canned green beans or trim fresh ones. Fresh green beans will retain more of a bite compared to canned.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This low and steady temperature helps the chicken remain juicy and prevents the potatoes from overcooking.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large roasting pan.
- Arrange the components into three distinct rows:
- Place the chicken in one row.
- Arrange the potatoes in the middle row.
- Lay the green beans in the third row. Keeping them separate allows for easier serving and prevents the green beans from becoming overly soggy.
4. Season Generously:
- Evenly sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix over all the ingredients. Don’t skimp—this mix is what gives the dish its zesty flavor!
- For even more depth, sprinkle optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
- If desired, lightly salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the Butter:
- Melt the stick of butter in a microwave-safe dish or saucepan.
- Slowly pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. This creates a rich, flavorful base that blends with the Italian seasoning.
6. Cover and Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial to lock in steam, ensuring the chicken stays moist and the potatoes cook through.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
7. Uncover and Crisp (Optional):
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top of the dish to brown slightly. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken and potatoes at this stage for a golden, cheesy crust.
8. Check for Doneness:
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the potatoes are fork-tender. If the potatoes are still a bit firm, continue baking in 5-10 minute increments.
9. Serve:
- Use a large spatula or spoon to plate each section: the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. Serve family-style or individually plated.
- This dish is perfect as-is, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute increments until warm.
Make It Your Own:
Seasoning Blend (Homemade Alternative to Packet):
If you don’t have Italian seasoning mix, combine:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Add Veggies or Proteins:
- Swap green beans for asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Enjoy this easy yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines savory chicken, buttery potatoes, and tender green beans. It’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍗🥔🍴