Copycat Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Country-Style Green Beans

on

Copycat Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Country-Style Green Beans


Bowl of copycat Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken country-style green beans with bacon, served with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and biscuits.
Slow-simmer these copycat Lee’s country-style green beans until the bacon, onion, and savory broth turn every bite into pure Southern comfort.

If you love Southern-style green beans with that slow-cooked, savory flavor, this recipe is for you. These copycat Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Country-Style Green Beans are tender, salty, rich, and packed with that down-home taste people crave. The best part? You can make them right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.

This is the kind of side dish that feels humble, but always disappears fast. If you've ever scooped a big spoonful next to fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or a buttery biscuit, you already know why these beans are so memorable.

A Little Background on Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken and These Iconic Green Beans

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken has built a loyal following for its comfort food. The chain is known for crispy fried chicken, hearty sides, and that classic homestyle feel. Their side dishes are a big part of the experience, and Country-Style Green Beans are one of those quiet stars on the menu.

These green beans are not the bright, snappy kind you get in a quick sauté. Instead, they are soft, silky, and deeply seasoned. Think of them like the Sunday dinner version of green beans. They soak up smoky, meaty flavor and turn tender enough to melt on your fork. That savory broth at the bottom of the bowl? It may be the best part.

This recipe is a copycat version inspired by the restaurant dish. It is not the original recipe, and we are not claiming any connection to Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken. We are simply recreating the flavor and texture many of us know and love at home.

Why You'll Love This Copycat Green Beans Recipe

  • Easy ingredients you can find at any grocery store
  • Simple steps that work well for beginner cooks
  • Classic Southern flavor with a rich, savory broth
  • Budget-friendly and great for family meals
  • Perfect side dish for chicken, pork, meatloaf, or holiday dinners

I love recipes like this because they don't ask for much, yet they taste like you spent all day cooking. Sometimes the simplest food is the most comforting.

Ingredients

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cans cut green beans, 14.5 ounces each, drained
  • 1 can whole green beans, 14.5 ounces, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Optional for extra smoky flavor: 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

These numbers are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 640mg

How to Make Copycat Lee's Country-Style Green Beans

This recipe is all about building flavor in layers. Don't worry, it's still very easy. You're basically making green beans that simmer low and slow until they taste like they came from a country kitchen.

  1. Cook the bacon. Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns browned and crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir now and then so it cooks evenly.

    Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave about 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. That grease adds a lot of the signature flavor.

  2. Sauté the onion. Add the diced onion to the pan with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium to medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and starts to look a little translucent.

    You do not want to rush this step. Soft onion adds sweetness and depth, kind of like the bass note in a song. You may not notice it right away, but you'd miss it if it wasn't there.

  3. Add the green beans and seasonings. Stir in the drained green beans, chicken broth, butter, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.

    If you want a slightly smokier flavor, add the liquid smoke or smoked paprika now. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.

  4. Return the bacon to the pot. Add most of the cooked bacon back in, saving a small amount if you'd like to sprinkle some on top when serving.

  5. Simmer low and slow. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling lightly, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

    Let the green beans cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring once in a while. The goal is for the beans to become very tender and soak up the broth. If the liquid reduces too much before the beans are done, add a splash more chicken broth.

  6. Taste and adjust. After simmering, taste the beans. Add a little more salt or pepper if needed. If you like your green beans softer, keep cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes uncovered.

  7. Serve warm. Spoon the green beans into a serving bowl with some of the savory broth. Top with reserved bacon if desired.

Food safety note: Bacon should be cooked until crisp and fully done. If you use any meat additions like ham or smoked turkey, make sure they are heated through to at least 165°F before serving. Keep hot foods above 140°F if holding for a meal.

Helpful Tips for the Best Country-Style Green Beans

  • Use canned green beans for the most restaurant-style texture. Fresh green beans are great, but canned beans give that extra soft, classic country side dish feel.
  • Mix cut and whole green beans. This gives a texture that feels a little more homemade.
  • Don't skip the simmer time. This is where the magic happens.
  • Add broth as needed. You want the beans moist and juicy, not dry.
  • Make them ahead. These often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to mingle.

Easy Shortcuts and Slow Cooker Option

Want to make this even easier? I get it. Some nights call for shortcuts, and that's not a bad thing.

Slow cooker method:

  • Cook the bacon and onion first in a skillet.
  • Add them to the slow cooker with the drained green beans, broth, butter, and seasonings.
  • Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
  • Stir before serving and taste for seasoning.

Super quick version:

  • Use real bacon bits if you are short on time.
  • Swap fresh onion for 1 teaspoon dried minced onion.
  • Simmer everything for 30 minutes instead of an hour. The flavor won't be quite as deep, but it will still be tasty.

Allergy, Sensitivity, and Preference Modifications

One thing I always appreciate in a recipe is knowing how to tweak it for different needs. Here are several ways to make these copycat country-style green beans work for your table.

Gluten-free:

  • This recipe is often naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth, bacon, and seasonings for hidden gluten or additives.
  • Choose a certified gluten-free broth if needed.

Dairy-free:

  • Replace the butter with olive oil, dairy-free butter, or simply leave it out.
  • The bacon still provides plenty of richness.

Vegetarian:

  • Skip the bacon and use 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil instead.
  • Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
  • Add smoked paprika or a tiny drop of liquid smoke for that deeper flavor.
  • A small spoonful of soy sauce can help bring in savory depth too.

Vegan:

  • Follow the vegetarian swaps above.
  • Use plant-based butter or olive oil.
  • For a meaty feel, add chopped smoked mushrooms or a little diced vegan bacon.

Low-sodium:

  • Choose low-sodium canned green beans or rinse the drained beans well.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth.
  • Reduce added salt and let everyone season their own portion at the table.

Lower sugar:

  • You can leave out the teaspoon of sugar if preferred.
  • It only balances the savory flavors, but the recipe still works without it.

Paleo-style:

  • Use fresh or no-salt-added canned green beans.
  • Use compliant bacon with no added sugar if needed.
  • Skip the butter and use olive oil or ghee.
  • Use homemade chicken broth and omit the sugar.

Turkey or pork-free:

  • If you avoid pork, use chopped turkey bacon or smoked turkey.
  • Be sure smoked turkey is reheated to 165°F.

What to Serve with Country-Style Green Beans

These green beans fit into so many meals. Try them with:

  • Fried chicken
  • Roast chicken
  • Meatloaf
  • Pork chops
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Mac and cheese
  • Cornbread or biscuits

If you're building a comfort food plate, this side dish is right at home. It's cozy, savory, and just plain satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, though the texture may soften more after thawing.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot.

Food safety tip: Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes. Fresh green beans will work, but the texture will be firmer and less like the restaurant version. If using fresh, trim them and simmer longer, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until very tender.

Can I use ham instead of bacon?
Absolutely. Diced ham or smoked turkey are both great choices. Just make sure they are fully heated through.

Why add sugar to green beans?
It doesn't make them sweet. It just rounds out the salty and smoky flavors, sort of like adding a pinch of sugar to tomato sauce.

Can I make these ahead for a holiday meal?
Yes, and they are actually great made ahead. Reheat gently on the stove and add a little broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you're craving copycat Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Country-Style Green Beans, this easy recipe brings that cozy restaurant-style side dish home. It has all the things people love: tender green beans, smoky bacon, soft onions, and a rich savory broth that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or add your own twist? Leave a comment and share it with someone who loves comfort food sides as much as you do.

Disclaimer

This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by the flavor and style of a popular restaurant side dish. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken in any way.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate, which means we may earn from qualifying purchases made through links at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment