Oh, you guys, let me tell you about my family’s absolute FAVORITE weeknight dinner: sesame chicken with green beans and rice. I remember the first time I made this sesame chicken with green beans and rice… it was a total experiment! I was trying to recreate our favorite takeout, but healthier and faster. I tossed some chicken in a quick sauce, threw in some green beans I had in the fridge, and served it over rice. My family went absolutely wild for it, and honestly, it’s been a staple ever since. The sweet and savory sauce, the crisp-tender green beans, the fluffy rice… it’s just pure comfort food.
Now, I’m not going to lie, the first few attempts were… less than perfect. I either burned the garlic (we’ve all been there, right?), or the sauce was too watery. But after a little tweaking, I finally nailed a sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe that is quick, easy, and seriously delicious. It’s become my go-to meal when I’m short on time and need something everyone will actually eat without complaint. My kids are pretty picky eaters, but they always clean their plates when I make this sesame chicken with green beans and rice.
This dish fits perfectly into my busy family life because it’s quick to prepare, uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and makes for great leftovers. Plus, it’s way healthier than ordering sesame chicken and green beans takeout! I love knowing exactly what’s going into our food, and I can adjust the ingredients to fit our needs. For instance, sometimes I add a little sriracha for a kick, or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Honestly, perfecting this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe was a real “aha!” moment for me. It proved that I could make delicious, healthy meals for my family, even when I’m juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws my way. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or quality when you’re short on time. Trust me, once you try this sesame chicken with green beans and rice, it will become a family favorite in your house, too!
Sesame Chicken Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish
I always use low-sodium soy sauce for my sesame chicken with green beans and rice to control the saltiness. You can find it at most grocery stores in the Asian foods aisle. A sesame chicken with green beans and rice trick I learned from my mom is to use fresh ginger in the sauce for an extra zing! It really brightens up the flavor.
When making sesame chicken with green beans and rice, remember that frozen green beans can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the pan. For a cost-saving tip, buy chicken breasts in bulk when they’re on sale and freeze them. They thaw quickly, and you’ll always have them on hand for your sesame chicken with green beans and rice. Leftover rice can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. It’s perfect for reheating with the sesame chicken and green beans.
How To Make Sesame Chicken Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps:
- First, get your rice cooking! You can use a rice cooker or cook it on the stovetop. While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside. This is the base of your delicious sesame chicken with green beans and rice sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This is your slurry, which will thicken the sauce for the sesame chicken with green beans and rice.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. I learned the hard way with sesame chicken with green beans and rice that overcrowding the pan results in rubbery chicken!
- Add the minced garlic and green beans to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the green beans are crisp-tender. Your sesame chicken with green beans and rice should smell amazing right now!
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and green beans. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Don’t worry if your sesame chicken with green beans and rice sauce seems a little thin at first; it will thicken as it cooks.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the sesame chicken with green beans and rice over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. In my kitchen, sesame chicken with green beans and rice usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- While the sesame chicken with green beans and rice is cooking, I usually throw together a quick side salad or steam some broccoli to add some extra veggies to the meal. One family-tested sesame chicken with green beans and rice shortcut is to buy pre-cut chicken and green beans to save even more time.
- If you are looking for more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while your sesame chicken with green beans and rice is cooking.
Serving Suggestions
The kids love our sesame chicken with green beans and rice when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad. The cool, crisp veggies are a nice contrast to the savory chicken and sauce. This sesame chicken with green beans and rice is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or even a casual get-together. I love serving it family-style, with a big bowl of rice in the center of the table and everyone helping themselves to the sesame chicken and green beans.
If you have extra sesame chicken with green beans and rice, it’s great for lunch the next day! I often pack it in my kids’ lunchboxes, or I’ll take it to work myself. It reheats beautifully in the microwave. For a sesame chicken green bean stir fry variation, try adding other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas.
It’s a great way to use up whatever you have in the fridge! My friends always ask for this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe whenever I make it for a party. It’s always a hit! For presentation, I like to sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onions on top of the sesame chicken with green beans and rice just before serving. It adds a pop of color and flavor.
If you’re trying to watch your carbohydrate intake, try serving the sesame chicken and green beans over cauliflower rice instead of white or brown rice. Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice serves as a great alternative recipe if you ever want to try different version of this dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great option for this sesame chicken with green beans and rice, especially on busy weeknights. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet. You know what I do when my sesame chicken with green beans and rice calls for frozen green beans? I toss them in a hot pan for a few minutes before adding them to the wok to remove excess moisture.
Can I make this sesame chicken with green beans and rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The sesame chicken with green beans and rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. My blog readers actually mentioned that the flavors meld together even more when the dish sits overnight!
Is this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just substitute coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Coconut aminos have a similar flavor to soy sauce but are gluten-free. You’ll want to confirm the rest of your ingredients are gluten free as well if you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this sesame chicken with green beans and rice. Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snow peas all work well. I learned the hard way with sesame chicken with green beans and rice that some veggies cook faster than others, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this sesame chicken with green beans and rice spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle some sriracha over the dish before serving. My family prefers a mild version, but I sometimes add a little sriracha to my own plate.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can. Chicken thighs will work just as well in this sesame chicken with green beans and rice. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cooking.
What if I’m allergic to sesame?
If you have a sesame allergy, you will want to eliminate sesame oil and sesame seeds from the recipe. The guide has important facts on sesame allergies. Be extremely careful, and ensure all ingredients are sesame-free to avoid any allergic reactions.
My Final Thoughts
This sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my whole family loves. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout! This sesame chicken with rice recipe will have your family begging for more! It’s a reminder that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create delicious and memorable meals.
My Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken browns properly and doesn’t steam.
- Taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Garnish generously with sesame seeds and green onions. It adds a pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Some variations of this sesame chicken with green beans and rice I’ve tried with my family include adding pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist, using brown rice instead of white rice for extra fiber, and substituting broccoli for the green beans. My son loves the pineapple version, while my daughter prefers the classic sesame chicken and green beans. One of the best swaps is to make an easy sesame chicken green beans dish with chicken tenders!
I hope you’ll make this sesame chicken with green beans and rice your own by experimenting with different vegetables, spices, and serving suggestions. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones. I believe in the importance of a healthy diet, the World Health Organization has plenty of facts.
Happy cooking, my friends! And remember, even if your sesame chicken with green beans and rice isn’t perfect the first time, keep trying. It’s all part of the fun! I love to have these baked chicken legs and rice also, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice for my family. Give this sesame chicken with green beans and rice recipe a try! You will not regret it!
Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe
This recipe provides 7 amazing tips for making delicious sesame chicken with green beans and rice. It’s a healthy and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup rice
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- While rice is cooking, heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add green beans and cook until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
- Pour sauce over chicken and green beans and cook until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve chicken and green beans over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add other vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots. Adjust the amount of honey to your liking.