Sizzling Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe

Crispy, golden sesame chicken dances with vibrant green beans on a bed of fluffy rice, creating a meal that sparks instant hunger.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy without complicated preparation.

Crunchy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, slightly sweet sauce promise an irresistible flavor adventure.

Fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the rich, nutty sesame notes while tender green beans add a fresh, crisp counterpoint.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this simple yet impressive dish that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food.

Every bite brings a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make you want to linger at the dinner table.

Grab your skillet and let’s make magic happen – this recipe will become your new favorite go-to meal.

What Goes Well with Sesame Chicken and Rice

• Select crisp, light-bodied white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complement the sesame and soy flavors without overpowering the dish's delicate balance.
• Mix a citrus-infused green tea mocktail with hints of ginger and honey to echo the recipe's Asian-inspired sauce, providing a refreshing and harmonizing drink experience.
• Prepare a cool cucumber and radish salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to add crispness and provide a light, palate-cleansing element that balances the rich chicken.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped cilantro over the dish to intensify nutty undertones and add a fresh, herbaceous layer that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Try These Tweaks on Sesame Chicken Meals

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube and follow the same marinating and cooking process for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce honey in the sauce and use a sugar-free sweetener to keep the dish keto-friendly.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade. Mix in diced jalapeños while sautéing green beans for an extra heat boost that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

FAQs on Sesame Chicken with Green Beans

• What are the key ingredients for this sesame chicken recipe?

The key ingredients include chicken pieces, green beans, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice. These components create a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that make the dish delicious.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is beginner-friendly. It involves simple cooking techniques like marinating, sautéing, and making a quick sauce. The steps are straightforward and easy to follow, making it great for home cooks with basic kitchen skills.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

You can make some substitutions. For example, use tamari instead of soy sauce, maple syrup instead of honey, or apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To make the recipe healthier, use less oil when cooking, choose low-sodium soy sauce, use brown rice instead of white rice, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

Why Sesame Chicken with Green Beans Tastes So Balanced

• Whips up deliciously in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-style dinner without complex preparation.
• Combines kid-approved chicken with nutritious green beans, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds with minimal fuss.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, vegetables, and creating a mouthwatering sesame sauce, saving time and effort.
• Easily adaptable for dietary preferences by swapping proteins or adjusting sauce intensity, making it a versatile recipe for different palates and nutritional needs.

Ingredients That Make Sesame Chicken Stand Out

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best with boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Green Beans: Fresh and crisp vegetable that adds texture and nutritional value, choose young and tender beans.

• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy balance to the sweet and savory elements.
• Sesame Oil: Brings distinctive nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust aromatic base to the sauce, fresh is always better.
• Ginger: Provides sharp and warm undertone, fresh grated recommended.

• Cornstarch: Essential for creating smooth and glossy sauce texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and traditional visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.

• Rice: Neutral base that absorbs sauce, long-grain white rice works best.

How to Sauté Chicken and Beans for Best Results

Step 1: Whip Up Fluffy Rice

Cook rice following package directions until perfectly tender and set aside.

Step 2: Tenderize Chicken Pieces

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Pepper

Let marinate for a quick 10-minute flavor infusion.

Step 3: Blend Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Water
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Stir until ingredients marry beautifully.

Step 4: Sizzle Chicken Chunks

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame. Toss marinated chicken and cook until golden and thoroughly done, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 5: Transform Green Beans

In the same skillet, add additional oil and green beans. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, maintaining a crisp texture.

Step 6: Create Flavor Symphony

Return chicken to skillet. Pour sesame sauce over chicken and green beans. Gently stir to coat evenly.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce Perfectly

Introduce cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce reaches glossy, clingy consistency.

Step 8: Plate With Flair

Arrange rice as base. Top with saucy chicken and green beans. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for final flourish.

Cooking Tips for Rich Flavor and Tender Texture

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken sit in the marinade for exactly 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tender meat texture.
• Control Bean Crispness: Sauté green beans quickly to maintain their bright green color and satisfying crunch, avoiding overcooking.
• Sauce Thickening Trick: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water before adding to create a smooth, lump-free thickening agent for your sauce.
• Sesame Seed Boost: Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and aromatic profile.
• Temperature Management: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, ensuring even cooking and caramelization.

How to Store and Reheat Sesame Chicken the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and green beans to freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated portions over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying and restore sauce consistency.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain tender chicken texture.

Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken with green beans and rice delivers a crispy, savory symphony of Asian-inspired flavors. Tender chicken pieces glazed in a sweet-tangy sauce create a perfect harmony with fragrant rice, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 green onions, sliced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Serving:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare a bed of fluffy rice according to package directions, allowing it to rest and stay warm while preparing the remaining components.
2. Craft a marinade by thoroughly coating chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Allow the proteins to absorb flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Whisk together a vibrant sauce combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smoothly integrated.
4. Heat oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully introduce marinated chicken, searing until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer chicken to a holding plate.
5. Utilize the same skillet to sauté green beans, maintaining their crisp texture while developing slight tenderness through quick, high-heat cooking.
6. Reunite the golden chicken with the green beans in the skillet, cascading the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Gently stir to distribute flavors evenly.
7. Create a cornstarch slurry and incorporate into the skillet, allowing the sauce to transform into a glossy, clinging coating that embraces the chicken and vegetables.
8. Elegantly plate the aromatic sesame chicken and green beans atop the prepared rice. Embellish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and delicate green onion slivers for a final flourish.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for varied dietary preferences.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added salt in the marinade.
• Enhance sauce complexity by adding a splash of chili oil or sriracha for subtle heat and depth of flavor.
• Boost vegetable nutrition by incorporating additional colorful vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli alongside green beans.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg