Imagine biting into a piece of chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth, coated with a glossy sesame glaze that dances on your taste buds. Accompanying this delightful chicken are vibrant green beans, crisp and bright, nestled alongside fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. This is not just any meal; this is sesame chicken with green beans and rice, the ultimate dinner that makes you feel like a culinary superstar even if you just learned how to boil water. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Now, let me take you back to my college days when I first attempted to impress friends with my cooking skills. Picture me in the kitchen, armed with a grocery list and a questionable understanding of how to use a knife. After a few mishaps involving smoke alarms and an unintentional fire drill, I finally nailed this recipe. oven roasted chicken recipe It became our go-to for dinner parties—everyone loved it! So whether it’s a casual family meal or date night at home, sesame chicken with green beans and rice is sure to bring joy to your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe combines effortless preparation with incredible flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
- The colorful presentation will impress any guest while being versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Plus, it’s easily customizable based on what you have in your pantry!
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; adjust as needed depending on how many you’re feeding.
- Fresh Green Beans: Opt for vibrant green beans; trim the ends for a neat presentation.
- White Rice: Any long-grain rice works; cook according to package instructions for the best results.
- Sesame Oil: A key flavor component; use toasted sesame oil for an extra depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness while still delivering that umami punch.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce beautifully; feel free to use maple syrup as a substitute if desired.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds zing; use minced garlic for maximum flavor impact.
For the Sauce:
- Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim their ends off.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil according to your rice package instructions. Add the rice and reduce heat to low, covering until cooked through (usually about 15-20 minutes).
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil. Once hot, toss in the chicken pieces. Sauté until they’re golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Pour this flavorful concoction over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
Step 5: Add Green Beans
After mixing in the sauce with the chicken for about two minutes, add your fresh green beans to the skillet. Stir everything together and let them cook until they turn bright green and tender (about another five minutes).
Step 6: Serve It Up
Fluff your cooked rice with a fork before serving. Plate rice onto dishes and top generously with that glorious sesame chicken and green bean mixture. Drizzle any remaining sauce over each serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about those college cooking adventures gone awry—it’s all worth it when you see everyone loving this chicken with green beans and rice!
You Must Know
- This chicken with green beans and rice is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
- Easy to whip up, this dish dazzles with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors.
- Perfect for busy nights yet fancy enough for a dinner party, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to let those flavors dance together. While the chicken absorbs all that goodness, prepare your rice and get those green beans sautéing. Finish by combining everything in one glorious pan for perfect harmony.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the green beans for broccoli or snap peas if you’re feeling adventurous. Want a little kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes or ginger. You can even add crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch! For more inspiration, check out this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, use a microwave until warm or toss in a skillet over medium heat to retain that delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; this enhances flavor tremendously.
- Cook your rice separately to avoid mushiness—nobody likes soggy rice!
- Lastly, add vegetables last for that fresh crunch.
I remember the first time I made sesame chicken with green beans and rice; my friends devoured it so fast, I thought they might fight over the last bite! It became our go-to recipe for potlucks after that.
FAQs :
What is Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice?
Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a delicious stir-fry dish featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a savory sesame sauce. The dish is complemented by crisp green beans and served over fluffy rice. This meal not only provides a delightful combination of flavors but also packs a nutritional punch, making it a favorite among families looking for quick weeknight dinners.
How do I prepare Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice?
To prepare Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice, start by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown, then add fresh green beans and cook until tender-crisp. Finally, mix in the sesame sauce for flavor, and serve the stir-fry over cooked rice for a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and tasty.
Can I customize the ingredients in Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice?
Absolutely! You can customize Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice based on your preferences. Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein. Additionally, you can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition while keeping it versatile according to your taste.
How can I make Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice healthier?
To make Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice healthier, consider using brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of sesame oil in the sauce or opt for low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on sodium intake. Adding more vegetables not only enhances nutrition but also boosts the overall health benefits of this delicious meal.
Conclusion for Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice :
Sesame one pan chicken and rice is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant green beans, and aromatic rice. This recipe offers an easy way to prepare a nutritious meal packed with taste. By customizing ingredients or making healthy substitutions, you can create a version that fits your dietary needs. Whether served for dinner or lunch, this delightful dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a delightful stir-fry that combines tender chicken pieces coated in a savory sesame glaze, vibrant green beans, and fluffy rice. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures that your family and friends will love. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that’s not only flavorful but also nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and rinse the green beans.
- Cook the rice: In a pot, bring water to boil, add rice, cover, and reduce heat to simmer for about 15-20 minutes until cooked.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Make the sauce: Mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour over cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Add green beans: Stir in the green beans with the chicken and sauce for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Serve: Fluff rice with a fork, plate it up, and top with the sesame chicken and green bean mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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