This authentic Armenian green bean recipe transforms simple frozen vegetables into an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked green beans, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s both hearty and healthy. What makes this recipe truly special is the traditional garlic sauce that elevates the entire dish to restaurant quality. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1kg (2.2 lbs) chicken thighs, boneless and cut into pieces
- 800g (1.75 lbs) frozen green beans (2 packages of 400g each)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 4 small cloves garlic, whole
- 2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought tomato paste (lecho)
- 500ml (2 cups) boiling water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
For the Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Georgian spice blend (khmeli suneli)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 3-4 tablespoons sour cream
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
For Garnish:
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Base
Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Add the whole garlic cloves first and sauté them for about 1 minute until they release their aroma. This technique infuses the oil with garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Add the chicken pieces to the aromatic oil without any prior seasoning. The meat should be clean and dry for the best browning. Cook the chicken with the lid off, stirring occasionally, until it develops a golden-brown color on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Building the Flavor Foundation
Once the chicken shows the first signs of browning, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Continue cooking until the onions become translucent and develop their own golden color. The combination of chicken and onions should create an incredibly aromatic base for the dish.
When both the chicken and onions are nicely browned, add all the spices: paprika, khmeli suneli, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the spices. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their full flavor potential.
Adding the Tomato Element
Stir in the tomato paste or lecho, mixing it thoroughly with the chicken and onion mixture. If you don’t have lecho available, substitute with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or tomato juice. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a rich, aromatic base.
Incorporating the Green Beans
Add the frozen green beans directly from the freezer to the pan. There’s no need to thaw them first. Stir everything together to ensure the green beans are well coated with the flavorful chicken mixture. If your pan is large enough, you can add both packages at once.
Carefully pour the boiling water over the mixture. The water level should just cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it braise for about 15-25 minutes until the green beans are tender.
Preparing the Garlic Sauce
While the main dish is cooking, prepare the traditional garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with the minced garlic. Add the finely chopped dill and mix well. This sauce is essential to the authentic flavor of the dish and should be prepared fresh.
Final Seasoning and Garnish
Check the green beans for tenderness by piercing them with a fork. Once they’re cooked to your liking, season the entire dish with salt to taste. Stir in the fresh dill and cilantro, allowing the fresh herbs to wilt slightly and release their aroma.
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes with the lid on, allowing all the flavors to marry completely.
Serving
Serve the green beans and chicken hot, with individual portions of the garlic sauce on the side. Each person can add the garlic sauce to their own serving according to their preference.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin A: 25% DV
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
Replace chicken thighs with beef chuck roast cut into cubes for a heartier version, though increase cooking time to 45 minutes. Lamb shoulder works beautifully in this dish and is very traditional in Armenian cuisine. For a lighter option, use chicken breast, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
Vegetable Modifications
Fresh green beans can be substituted for frozen ones when in season. Trim and cut fresh beans into 2-inch pieces and increase cooking time slightly. You can also add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or carrots for additional flavor and nutrition.
Spice Adjustments
If khmeli suneli is unavailable, create your own blend using equal parts dried coriander, fenugreek, cinnamon, and cloves. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
Dairy-Free Options
Replace sour cream in the garlic sauce with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative like cashew cream. The garlic sauce can also be made with tahini for a Middle Eastern twist.
Herb Variations
While dill and cilantro are traditional, you can experiment with parsley, mint, or basil depending on your preference and what’s available seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen? Fresh green beans work wonderfully in this recipe. Use about 600g (1.3 lbs) of fresh beans, trim the ends, and cut them into 2-inch pieces. They may need an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time to become tender.
Is the garlic sauce necessary? While the dish is delicious on its own, the garlic sauce is an integral part of the traditional Armenian preparation. It adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the rich flavors of the stewed beans and meat perfectly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? This dish actually improves with time and can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. The garlic sauce should be made fresh and served on the side.
What can I serve with this dish? This is traditionally served with Armenian lavash bread or rice pilaf. It also pairs well with simple bulgur wheat or even mashed potatoes. A simple salad of tomatoes and cucumbers makes an excellent side.
Can I freeze leftovers? The main dish freezes well for up to 3 months. However, don’t freeze the garlic sauce as dairy doesn’t freeze well. Thaw the main dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little water if needed.
This Armenian green bean recipe represents the heart of home cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through proper technique and traditional seasonings. The combination of tender vegetables, succulent meat, and the essential garlic sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for sharing with family and friends.