Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a delicious and healthy meal that combines tender chicken, crisp green beans, and fluffy rice in a flavorful sesame sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. The homemade sauce adds a savory and slightly sweet taste that complements the juicy chicken and fresh green beans perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein and vegetables.
• Family-friendly: A balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Great for meal prep: Stores well for make-ahead lunches.
• Flavorful: The sesame sauce is rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken and Green Beans

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame Sauce

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and the green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the sesame sauce over the top and stir to coat evenly.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve: Serve the sesame chicken and green beans over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
• Noodle Swap: Serve with rice noodles or lo mein instead of rice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken and green beans (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them first and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What type of rice works best with this dish?

White rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice are all great options. You can also use fried rice for extra flavor.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce. You can add more cornstarch if needed, but avoid adding too much to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure other sauces and ingredients are also gluten-free.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use less oil, reduce the amount of honey, and serve with brown rice or quinoa.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

You can mix soy sauce with a little peanut butter and a dash of brown sugar as a substitute.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Cook them the same way as chicken breast.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?

Avoid overcooking. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Store individual portions with rice in meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Yes, toasted cashews or peanuts work well and add a nice crunch to the dish.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that brings a bit of Asian-inspired flavor to your dinner table. With its savory sesame sauce, tender chicken, and crisp green beans, this dish offers a perfect balance of taste and texture. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a wholesome, satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a flavorful and nourishing dinner!

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