Bojangles' Green Beans feature tender, slow-cooked green beans seasoned with savory smoked bacon and a hint of garlic, delivering a hearty and flavorful side dish with a rustic, home-style appeal.
Equipments
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Colander or strainer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans
- 4 oz (115g) smoked bacon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Fresh green beans should be washed thoroughly and trimmed before cooking to ensure tenderness and avoid any tough ends. Using smoked bacon is essential to replicate the authentic, savory flavor typical of Bojangles' green beans. Low-sodium chicken broth helps to keep the seasoning balanced while enhancing the dish's overall richness. Garlic cloves should be finely minced to release their flavor evenly throughout the beans. Your dish will capture the hearty, rustic taste that defines Bojangles' Green Beans from their popular copycat menu.
Instructions
- Rinse and trim the ends off the green beans using a chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the bacon to the saucepan and cook until browned and crispy.
- Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the saucepan.
- Add minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the saucepan and stir with a wooden spoon.
- Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing some liquid to evaporate.
- Stir in unsalted butter and half of the cooked bacon.
- Transfer green beans to a mixing bowl or serving dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top before serving.
Substitution
Bojangles' Green Beans are known for their tender texture infused with smoky bacon and a subtle garlic flavor, replicating the beloved Southern side dish. If fresh green beans are unavailable, you can substitute with frozen green beans, adjusting cooking time to ensure tenderness. Use turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative for a lighter or meat-free version without sacrificing the smoky taste. When minced garlic is scarce, garlic powder provides a convenient and effective flavor substitute. You should taste and adjust seasoning using salt and pepper according to your preference during the cooking process.
Tips
To ensure tender green beans, make sure to rinse and trim them thoroughly using a chef's knife and cutting board before cooking. While rendering bacon fat in the saucepan, monitor the heat to avoid burning, as this fat adds crucial flavor during garlic sauteing. When simmering green beans with chicken broth, keep the heat low and cover the pan to allow slow cooking and proper absorption of spices. Stir in unsalted butter and reserve half of the crispy bacon for topping--this will enhance the texture and flavor, creating the perfect home-style side dish for your meal.
Nutritions
Bojangles' Green Beans provide a nutrient-rich side dish featuring fresh green beans, a low-calorie source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and manganese. The addition of smoked bacon adds protein and fat, contributing to satiety and flavor, while the low-sodium chicken broth helps enhance taste without excessive sodium. Garlic supplies antioxidants and supports immune health, and the use of unsalted butter adds a small amount of healthy fats. Your meal benefits from this combination by offering vitamins, minerals, and a balance of macronutrients in a flavorful, home-style preparation.
Storage
Store your Bojangles' Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the green beans gently in a saucepan over low heat to preserve their tender texture and smoky bacon taste. Avoid freezing, as it may compromise the quality and texture of the slow-cooked green beans.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute smoked turkey bacon for the traditional pork bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining a smoky flavor. For a vegetarian twist, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika to impart a rich, smoky taste. Consider steaming the green beans briefly before sauteing to retain more color and a slightly crisp texture. A splash of apple cider vinegar added during the last minutes of cooking can brighten the flavors and balance the savory seasoning.
Allergies
Bojangles' Green Beans contain smoked bacon, which may pose a risk for individuals with pork allergies or sensitivities. The presence of garlic, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes can also trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to alliums or spicy ingredients. If you have any food allergies, carefully review the ingredient list and consult with a healthcare professional before consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
Bojangles' Green Beans from Bojangles restaurant are packed with a rich, smoky flavor and tender texture that complements Southern-style meals perfectly. The beans are slow-cooked with a blend of seasonings and smoked ham, delivering a savory experience that stands out from ordinary vegetable sides. You'll find that replicating this recipe at home lets you enjoy the authentic taste anytime, using fresh ingredients tailored to your preferences. Making a copycat version is worth it for capturing the unique combination of comfort and bold flavor that Bojangles is known for.