Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

The aroma of sizzling sesame chicken wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Paired perfectly with crisp green beans and fluffy rice, this dish is a flavor explosion that will leave you asking for seconds.

Imagine a cozy evening spent cooking in your kitchen while the sun sets outside. This classic sesame chicken recipe brings back memories of family dinners where laughter mingled with the savory scent of garlic and soy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those busy weeknights or when you’re just craving something delicious.

I still remember my brother’s face when he first tried this sesame chicken — eyes wide as saucers, declaring it his new favorite dish!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh breasts for juicy flavor; about 3-4 will serve four hungry people.
• Fresh Green Beans: Opt for vibrant green beans; they add crunch and color to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: This oil gives an authentic taste; use it sparingly as it packs a punch.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring unbeatable flavor; minced garlic releases its aroma beautifully during cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce allows better control over saltiness while enhancing flavors.
• Rice: Use jasmine or basmati rice for their fragrant qualities that pair well with the dish.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the savory notes of soy sauce.

For the Sauce:

• Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance flavors; ensure it’s fresh for the best taste.
• Cornstarch: This thickener creates that delightful glaze we all love; mix it well before adding to the sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing the green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the ends before setting them aside on a cutting board.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, and sesame oil. Add cubed chicken to this marinade and let it soak up those flavors while you prep everything else.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a splash of sesame oil followed by the marinated chicken pieces. Cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.

Add Green Beans and Sauce : Toss in your prepared green beans once the chicken starts browning nicely. Stir-fry them together for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green but still crisp.

Thicken the Sauce : Mix cornstarch with water in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this into the skillet along with rice vinegar; stir continuously until bubbly and glossy.

Serve It Up: Fluff cooked rice on plates then top generously with your succulent sesame chicken and green beans mixture. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired.

And there you have it! A delicious plate of sesame chicken with green beans and rice ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite while knowing you’ve created something truly special from scratch.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken while preparing rice. Sauté the green beans until crisp-tender just before serving to retain their vibrant color and crunch.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Add a splash of lime juice for an extra zing or toss in some bell peppers for added color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep everything tender and flavorful.

Cooking this dish reminds me of the time I invited friends over for dinner, and they raved about how delicious it was—definitely a night to remember!

FAQ

What can I substitute for sesame oil in sesame chicken with green beans and rice?

You can use olive oil or peanut oil; both provide excellent flavor alternatives.

How can I make my sesame chicken healthier?

Consider grilling or baking the chicken instead of frying for a lighter option.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, but adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking them.

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Delicious Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

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Savor tender sesame chicken paired with crisp green beans and fluffy rice in this quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, and sesame oil. Marinate the cubed chicken for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add a splash of sesame oil. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until bright green yet crisp.
5. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch with water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with rice vinegar; stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve over fluffy rice and enjoy!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider incorporating bell peppers or a splash of lime juice. - Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variations. - Ensure your pan is hot before adding ingredients for optimal searing.