Let’s take a moment to appreciate the heavenly aroma that wafts through your kitchen when you whip up sesame chicken with green beans and rice. Picture tender pieces of chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce, perfectly complemented by vibrant green beans that snap when you bite into them. The fluffy rice soaks up all those delicious flavors, turning every bite into a mini celebration of flavor.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience! I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family. They devoured it like it was the last meal on Earth! It’s become our go-to weeknight dinner because it feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful sesame chicken boasts a balance of sweet and savory flavors while remaining incredibly easy to prepare
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- With its quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions
- Versatile enough for meal prep or customizing ingredients based on what you have on hand
I vividly recall the first time I served this dish—my family was so impressed they thought I had ordered takeout!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts depending on your crowd; cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Fresh Green Beans: Choose crisp ones; they add a lovely crunch and bright color to your plate.
- White Rice: Long-grain rice works best here; cook it according to package instructions for fluffy results.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; its nutty aroma enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while keeping all that umami goodness.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and gives the sauce a lovely glaze.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key; chop finely or press for maximum flavor impact in your sauce.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; grate it finely to release its aromatic oils beautifully.
- Cornstarch: A little cornstarch thickens the sauce nicely without compromising its glossy finish.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds add a delightful crunch as a garnish; they’re the cherry on top of this yummy dish!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, trim the ends off the green beans, and have your sauces ready.
Cook Your Rice: In a saucepan, bring water to boil then add rice along with a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer until tender—about 15 minutes usually does the trick.
Sauté Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped chicken and sauté until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes works wonders.
Add Aromatics: Once your chicken is looking fabulous, add minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute should do it!
Create Your Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth then pour over your sautéed chicken. Stir well until everything is coated evenly.
Toss in Green Beans: Add your fresh green beans to the skillet now that everything else is combined nicely. Cook until tender-crisp—approximately 3-4 minutes keeps them vibrant.
Garnish & Serve: Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over everything before serving alongside fluffy rice. Enjoying this masterpiece should be at least half as fun as making it!
And there you have it—your very own sesame chicken with green beans and rice! This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings smiles around the table. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful sesame chicken with green beans and rice is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure
- The savory aroma fills the kitchen, making it an instant family favorite
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to impress guests at dinner parties or satisfy a weeknight craving
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken while you prep the green beans and cook the rice. This sequence maximizes flavor and ensures everything finishes at the same time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out green beans for your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or broccoli. Experimenting with sesame oil or adding chili flakes can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the chicken tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors; wilted veggies can dampen your dish
- Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken into uniform pieces
- Finally, let your rice rest before serving for better texture and flavor absorption
Cooking this sesame chicken with green beans always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited dinner.
FAQ
What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
Quinoa or cauliflower rice works well as a lower-carb alternative to traditional rice.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha during cooking for an extra kick of heat.
Can I prepare this sesame chicken ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken a few hours in advance for deeper flavors and quicker cooking later on.
Easy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful sesame chicken with green beans and rice, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (500g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200g fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package instructions; set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Pour over cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly.
- Toss in the green beans and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Serve over fluffy rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
