Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a flavorful, well-balanced meal that combines tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a savory sesame sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a complete and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
  • Packed with flavor – A delicious balance of savory soy sauce, nutty sesame, and a hint of sweetness.
  • Healthy and nutritious – Lean protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome rice make this a well-rounded meal.
  • Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit dietary preferences.
  • Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats well for easy lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

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

  • Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Green beans, trimmed
  • Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Directions

  1. Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil. Set aside.
  2. Coat the chicken – Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until lightly coated.
  3. Cook the chicken – Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté the green beans – In the same pan, add the green beans and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Combine everything – Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over warm rice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

  • Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
  • Low-Carb Alternative – Serve over cauliflower rice or omit rice altogether.
  • Extra Crunch – Top with crushed peanuts or cashews.
  • Different Vegetables – Swap green beans for broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but blanch them first to maintain their texture.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and reheats easily.

How can I add more vegetables?

Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or baby corn for variety.

Can I air-fry the chicken instead?

Yes! Coat the chicken lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

What can I substitute for sesame oil?

Try toasted peanut oil or omit it if needed.

Can I make this without sugar?

Yes! Use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or simply leave it out.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich, savory sauce, tender chicken, and crisp green beans, this meal is a surefire hit. Whether you enjoy it fresh or as leftovers, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

This Sesame Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and coated in a delicious sesame sauce. Served with tender green beans and fluffy rice, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both easy and satisfying!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Green Beans & Rice:

 

  • 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
    • Dip each piece in the beaten egg.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce:

    • In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds.
    • Stir in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
    • Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
  • Cook the Green Beans:

    • In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat.
    • Add green beans and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

 

  • Combine and Serve:

    • Return the chicken to the pan with the sauce. Stir to coat.
    • Serve over cooked rice with green beans on the side.
    • Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

 

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.

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