Spicy Chipotle Chicken & Green Bean Recipe – Easy Skillet Dinner

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Chipotle Chicken & Green Bean Recipe – Easy Skillet Dinner

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes. This Spicy Chipotle Chicken & Green Bean recipe is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something with a little kick, and it’s become a weeknight staple ever since. It’s seriously so easy, and the smoky chipotle flavor is just… wow. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken and veggie dish. It’s a flavor explosion! The chipotle and cayenne bring a lovely warmth, balanced by the freshness of the green beans. Plus, it all cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup – always a win in my book. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 pound chicken thighs (about 450g)
• 12 ounces (about 340g) green beans, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Avocado Oil: Benefits and Substitutions

Avocado oil is my go-to for this recipe because of its high smoke point and mild flavor. It really lets the spices shine. But if you don’t have it, you can easily substitute with olive oil or coconut oil. Just be mindful of the smoke point if you’re cooking at higher temperatures.

Chicken Thighs: Why They’re Best for Flavor

I always recommend chicken thighs for this dish. They stay so juicy and flavorful, even with the spice. Chicken breast tends to dry out. But if you prefer breast, go for it – just watch the cooking time!

Chipotle Powder & Cayenne: Understanding the Heat

Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeños, giving it that amazing smoky flavor. Cayenne pepper adds a straightforward heat. Feel free to adjust these to your liking (more on that later!).

Green Beans: Fresh vs. Frozen

Fresh green beans are fantastic, but frozen work perfectly well in a pinch! No need to thaw them first – just add them straight to the skillet.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Get it nice and shimmering.
2. Add the chicken thighs, chili powder, salt, black pepper, chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper. Now, give it a good stir to make sure everything is coated in those beautiful spices.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You want that internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, coating them in all those lovely spices.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet! If your chicken thighs are large, cook them in batches to ensure they brown properly.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
• A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up (pun intended!).

Vegan Adaptation (Using Tofu or Jackfruit)

Swap the chicken thighs for 1 pound (450g) of firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or young green jackfruit. The spices work wonderfully with both!

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your spice labels to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Reduce the cayenne pepper to ⅛ teaspoon or omit it altogether.
• Medium: Stick with the recipe as written.
• Hot: Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Festival Adaptation (Navratri/Diwali – Adjust Spices)

During Navratri, you might want to avoid garlic and onions. This recipe doesn’t include them, so it’s already a good start! For Diwali, you can add a touch of garam masala for a warmer, more festive flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken & Green Bean dish is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• Serve with a side of fluffy basmati rice or quinoa.
• A dollop of plain yogurt or raita can cool down the spice.
• Warm naan bread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What cut of chicken works best in this recipe?

Chicken thighs are my top pick for their flavor and juiciness, but chicken breast can work too – just be careful not to overcook it.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a convenient and perfectly acceptable substitute.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Easily! Reduce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

What is chipotle powder and where can I find it?

Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeños. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, or online.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for extra flavor. However, it’s best to cook the green beans fresh for the best texture.

Is avocado oil necessary, or can I use another oil?

Avocado oil is great, but you can substitute with olive oil or coconut oil if needed. Just consider the smoke point.

Enjoy this recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!