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
- Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil. Set aside.
- Coat the chicken – Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until lightly coated.
- 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.
- Sauté the green beans – In the same pan, add the green beans and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine everything – Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens.
- 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.
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!
PrintSesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
- 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
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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