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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with savory flavor yet delightfully fresh and nutritious, this Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special, yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients that pack a serious punch of taste and texture. Tender, golden chicken meets crisp green beans, all coated in a luscious, slightly sweet sesame sauce and served over fluffy rice. This recipe not only satisfies your comfort food cravings but also brings vibrant color and wholesome goodness to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe plays a vital role in creating that harmonious balance of flavors and textures. From fresh produce to pantry staples, these essentials come together effortlessly to make a dish you’ll want on repeat.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the chicken and soften the green beans.
- 2 cups green beans: Trimmed and halved for that satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
- 3 cups cooked rice: White or brown rice works, providing a comforting, fluffy base for the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the green beans with fragrant, savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger: Grated to add a subtle zing that brightens the sauce.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce, keeping it balanced and rich.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness to perfectly counter the soy sauce’s saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a touch of tang to lift the flavors and keep everything lively.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides the unmistakable nutty aroma and depth that define this dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that beautiful glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to help the sauce coat the chicken and beans evenly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted and sprinkled on top for crunch and a gorgeous finishing touch.
- 2 green onions: Sliced thinly for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
How to Make Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the chicken pieces, spreading them out so they cook evenly. Let them brown until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This initial sear locks in juices and builds a flavorful base. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside — you’ll add it back soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Green Beans
In the same skillet, add the green beans, and if the pan looks dry, drizzle in a bit more olive oil. Cook the beans just until tender-crisp, around 4 to 5 minutes, preserving their bright color and crunch. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until their aromas burst and mingle with the beans, elevating every bite.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the green beans cook, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This balanced mix is the heart of the Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe, combining savory, sweet, and tangy elements. Separately, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, preparing the perfect thickening agent for the sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Return the golden chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour your prepared sauce over the top and stir everything thoroughly, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. Add the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring gently as the sauce thickens in just a few minutes, clinging to the chicken and beans with a silky, satisfying texture.
Step 5: Serve
Divide the cooked rice between bowls, then generously top with the glossy sesame chicken and vibrant green beans. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that irresistible crunch and color. Serve hot, savoring every warm, flavor-packed mouthful of this comforting creation.
How to Serve Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions is all you need to bring this dish to life visually and flavor-wise. These garnishes add a pleasant crunch and subtle oniony brightness that perfectly complements the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
While this recipe stands beautifully on its own, adding a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, steamed dumplings or a light miso soup pair wonderfully for a fuller Asian-inspired meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe in a bamboo bowl or on a colorful patterned plate for extra appeal. For a casual twist, use lettuce leaves as wraps for bite-sized portions, giving a fresh crunch and fun hands-on eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain texture, avoid freezing the rice separately if possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken moist and the green beans crisp. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave works fine too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans work well in this recipe as a convenient alternative. Just thaw and drain them before sautéing to avoid excess moisture that could water down the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep all the deliciousness while accommodating gluten sensitivity.
Can I substitute chicken breast with other proteins?
Chicken thigh works great too if you prefer a juicier cut. You could also try tofu for a vegetarian option—just press and cube it before cooking to get a nice texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker if I like it more saucy?
Feel free to increase the cornstarch slurry by adding another teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Just add it gradually and cook until you hit your desired consistency.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Both white and brown rice are excellent choices here. White rice offers a softer texture and neutral flavor, while brown rice adds nuttiness and a heartier chew, making your meal more wholesome.
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and freshness. Its ease combined with bold, satisfying flavors will make it a cherished addition to your weekly dinner lineup. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time.
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Sesame Chicken with Green Beans & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and healthy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans served over rice. This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken breast pieces sautéed with fresh green beans, garlic, and ginger, coated in a savory-sweet sesame sauce, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for cooking
- 2 cups green beans – trimmed and halved
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger – grated
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Garnish and Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice – white or brown
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions – sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add the green beans, adding a little more olive oil if the pan is dry. Cook them until they reach a tender-crisp texture, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the aromas are released and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the flavorful sauce. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until completely smooth to form a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed green beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Then add the cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring continuously as the sauce thickens over 2 to 3 minutes to a glossy consistency that clings to the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked rice into bowls, then top with the sesame chicken and green beans mixture. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Substitute chicken breast with thigh pieces for a juicier texture.
- Brown or jasmine rice works well depending on preference.
- Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Ensure to stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding to prevent lumps.
