Last night, after a particularly long day juggling work and school pickups, I found myself staring blankly into the fridge, willing dinner to magically appear. Sound familiar? I had some leftover cooked chicken, a bag of green beans that needed using, and the ever-reliable rice cooker was already humming away in the corner. That’s when the idea for sesame chicken with green beans and rice struck me. It’s one of those meals that’s quick, satisfying, and always a hit with my family.
The beauty of this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can use leftover chicken like I did, or quickly stir-fry some fresh chicken breast. And the sauce? Oh, the sauce! It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, coating every piece of chicken and green bean in deliciousness. I remember the first time I made sesame chicken with green beans and rice for my husband; he practically licked the plate clean! My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, devoured it without a single complaint. That’s always a win in my book!
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe to make it even easier and more flavorful. I used to struggle with getting the sauce just right, sometimes it was too thick, other times too thin. But after a few experiments, I’ve found the perfect ratio of ingredients to create a sauce that’s consistently delicious. Honestly, making sesame chicken with green beans and rice has become second nature to me.
One of the best things about sesame chicken with green beans and rice is that it’s a complete meal in one bowl. You’ve got your protein, your veggies, and your carbs all covered. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra green beans for the kids (they honestly don’t even notice!). And because I always have rice on hand, this sesame chicken with green beans and rice is the ultimate pantry-staple meal. Rice is very versatile and can be cooked in many ways; boil, steam, or even in a rice cooker.
I also love that this sesame chicken with green beans and rice can be easily customized to your family’s preferences. You can add other veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. And if you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Trust me, your family is going to love this sesame chicken with green beans and rice as much as mine does!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this family-favorite sesame chicken with green beans and rice. I always try to keep these ingredients on hand, because you just never know when a craving will strike!
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: I often buy chicken breasts in bulk and freeze them in portions so I always have some ready to go. The high protein content in chicken helps in muscle building and repair.
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed: Look for firm, bright green beans without any blemishes. This guide has some great information on the health benefits of green beans if you’re interested!
- 2 cups cooked rice: I usually use jasmine rice, but any type of rice will work. This is also a great way to use leftover rice! Each type of rice offers a different nutritional profile and texture, providing options to suit various dietary needs and preferences.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor that’s crucial for this dish. It is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which can contribute to heart health and overall well-being.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Soy sauce contains essential amino acids and is a significant source of umami flavor, enhancing the dish’s savory notes.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce. Honey is natural sweetener with antibacterial properties, adding not only flavor but also potential health benefits to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a tangy element to balance the sweetness. Rice vinegar is known for its mild acidity and subtle sweetness, which can aid in digestion and add complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This is what helps to thicken the sauce. Cornstarch is a versatile thickening agent that ensures the sauce has a smooth and glossy texture.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Fresh ginger adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, making it a flavorful and healthy addition to the recipe.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for almost all of my savory dishes! Garlic is celebrated for its immune-boosting properties and adds a pungent and savory depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: For garnish, adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal. You can learn more about sesame seeds from the USDA FoodData Central.
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little bit of heat. Red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving properties.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken and green beans.
One tip I’ve learned over the years: don’t skimp on the sesame oil! It really makes a difference in the flavor of the sesame chicken with green beans and rice. Also, if you’re not a fan of fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, but I highly recommend using fresh if you can. My kids are sensitive to too much soy sauce, so I always use low-sodium.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your family’s taste. And don’t forget, this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe is super flexible – you can easily substitute other veggies like broccoli or carrots if you don’t have green beans on hand. When making sesame chicken with green beans and rice, having quality ingredients makes a difference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious sesame chicken with green beans and rice. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help to create a nice crust when you cook it.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the green beans: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the green beans and cook until they’re tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. If the green beans start to stick, add a splash of water to the skillet.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. If you want a little heat, add the red pepper flakes.
- Combine everything: Pour the sauce over the green beans in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Serve: Serve the sesame chicken with green beans and rice over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds.
See? That wasn’t so hard, was it? I always tell my friends that this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe is practically foolproof. I will admit, the first time I made this, I didn’t let the pan get hot enough, and the chicken steamed instead of browning. So, make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken! And don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your liking.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. If you like it more tangy, add a little more rice vinegar. The great thing about making sesame chicken with green beans and rice at home is that you can customize it to your exact taste preferences.
Sometimes, when I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for garnish. It adds a pop of color and a little extra flavor. Making sesame chicken with green beans and rice is a perfect mid-week dinner. And remember, if you’re using leftover chicken, you can skip step 2 and just add the chicken to the skillet with the green beans and sauce in step 5. It doesn’t get much easier than that! Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while you’re making this sesame chicken with green beans and rice is simply amazing.
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve got your delicious sesame chicken with green beans and rice ready, let’s talk about how to serve it!
In my house, we usually just serve it family-style in a big bowl in the center of the table. Everyone can help themselves, and it’s always a fun, casual meal. But there are plenty of other ways to serve this dish, too! Sometimes, I like to make sesame chicken with green beans and rice bowls for each person, arranging the chicken and green beans nicely over the rice and garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions. It makes for a pretty presentation.
We often pair this sesame chicken with green beans and rice with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich, flavorful chicken and green beans. I also love to serve it with some steamed broccoli or stir-fried bok choy. If I’m feeling fancy, I might even whip up a batch of spring rolls. The slightly sweet flavor of the sesame chicken with green beans and rice pairs really well with the savory spring rolls.
My kids absolutely love this sesame chicken with green beans and rice. They usually ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!). My husband, on the other hand, likes to add a little extra heat to his portion. He’ll sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top or add a dash of sriracha. I always make sure to have some extra soy sauce on the table, too, for those who like their rice extra saucy. The great thing about sesame chicken with green beans and rice is that it’s so versatile – everyone can customize it to their own liking.
Leftovers of this sesame chicken with green beans and rice, if you have any, are fantastic for lunch the next day. I usually pack them in a container and take them to work. They reheat beautifully in the microwave, and they’re just as delicious the second time around. I sometimes find myself intentionally making a larger batch of sesame chicken with green beans and rice just so I have leftovers for lunch.
FAQs
I get asked a lot of questions about this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here.
Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great substitute for fresh green beans. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. They might be a little softer than fresh green beans, but they’ll still taste delicious in this sesame chicken with green beans and rice.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this sesame chicken with green beans and rice ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and green beans and make the sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat everything in a skillet and combine. The sauce might thicken up a bit in the refrigerator, so you might need to add a splash of water to thin it out.
Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
A: Of course! Any type of rice will work with this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe. I usually use jasmine rice because that’s what my family prefers, but you could also use brown rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this sesame chicken with green beans and rice vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just cut the tofu or tempeh into bite-sized pieces and cook it in the same way as the chicken.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to it. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas all work well.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover sesame chicken with green beans and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, you can freeze this sesame chicken with green beans and rice, but the texture of the green beans might change slightly. To freeze, let the chicken and green beans cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What if my sauce is too thick?
A: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I use different type of cooking oil?
A: Yes, if you want a healthier alternative to vegetable oil, you can use a light olive oil or avocado oil instead for this sesame chicken with green beans and rice.
Conclusion
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for sesame chicken with green beans and rice. It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that my family absolutely loves. And I know yours will too!
Tip #1: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook it in batches to ensure it browns properly.
Tip #2: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Tip #3: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
We often make this sesame chicken with green beans and rice on busy weeknights when we need a quick and easy dinner. But it’s also great for weekend gatherings or potlucks. I’ve even made it for my in-laws, and they always rave about it! It is similar to this chicken and yellow rice recipe, but with green beans and an Asian sauce profile. If you want to add even more variety, these items pair well with yellow rice!
My son loves it with extra sesame seeds, while my daughter prefers it with a little bit of sriracha. My husband, on the other hand, is happy with just a big bowl of sesame chicken with green beans and rice and a side of steamed broccoli. No matter how you serve it, I guarantee it will be a hit!
Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – most of them are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. And the cooking process is really straightforward. So go ahead, give this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media! Remember, this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe is yours to adapt and personalize. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, sauces, or spices to create your own signature version.
Happy cooking, and I hope this sesame chicken with green beans and rice becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!
PrintEasy Sesame Chicken With Green Beans and Rice Recipe
This is a quick and easy sesame chicken recipe that you can make at home with green beans and rice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and green beans and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Serve the sesame chicken and green beans over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes. You can also add other vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers.