The aroma of sesame chicken fills the air like a warm hug from your kitchen. Imagine tender chunks of chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, paired perfectly with crisp green beans and fluffy rice. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that makes your taste buds dance.
Picture this: It’s a busy Tuesday evening after work, and the last thing you want to do is cook. But wait! You remember your trusty recipe for sesame chicken with green beans and rice. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that feels like a celebration on your dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish combines ease of preparation with an explosion of flavors that will impress everyone at your table
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning while being versatile enough for any occasion
- You’ll find this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners alike
I vividly remember the first time I made this dish; my kids devoured it faster than I could say “seconds.” Their giggles filled the kitchen as they fought over the last piece of chicken.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts to ensure everyone gets enough.
- Fresh Green Beans: Select bright green beans without blemishes for optimal flavor and crunch.
- Jasmine Rice: The fragrant aroma of jasmine rice elevates this meal to new heights.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential; they add depth and richness to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in enhancing the nutty flavor profile.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while keeping all those umami vibes intact.
- Honey: This adds sweetness that balances out the saltiness beautifully.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds on top provide an irresistible crunch and visual appeal.
- Green Onions: Sliced for garnish, they add freshness and color to your plate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your green beans under cool water until they sparkle like they’ve just come from a spa day. Trim off any stems.
Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, bring water to boil; add jasmine rice. Stir briefly before covering and lowering heat to simmer for about 15 minutes.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced chicken breasts and season lightly with salt; cook until golden brown.
Add Garlic & Sauce: Toss in minced garlic once your chicken turns golden; sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—and then pour in soy sauce mixed with honey.
Add Green Beans: Stir in fresh green beans when your sauce begins bubbling slightly; cover for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green yet still crunchy.
Finish & Serve: Once everything is cooked through (chicken should be at least 165°F), serve over fluffy jasmine rice, garnished generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Now you have a platter of colorful goodness that looks almost too good to eat—almost!
Enjoy making this scrumptious sesame chicken with green beans and rice! Your family will thank you as they savor every bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful sesame chicken with green beans and rice not only satisfies hunger but also pleases the eyes
- The crunch of fresh green beans combined with tender chicken creates a dish bursting with flavor and color, making it a family favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to enhance its flavor. While it absorbs those tasty vibes, prep your rice. Sauté the green beans last for that perfect crispness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous! Experiment with different vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, to keep things interesting.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a minute or two or sauté on medium heat to keep that crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your sesame chicken shine, use fresh ginger for a zingy twist
- Avoid overcooking your green beans; they should be vibrant and crunchy
- Always taste as you go—seasoning is key to perfection!
Cooking this sesame chicken with green beans and rice brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone reached for seconds.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans work well but may need slightly less cooking time.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Serve it alongside steamed dumplings or a light salad for balance.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
Quick Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the flavors of tender sesame chicken paired with crisp green beans and fluffy rice, all ready in just 30 minutes for a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Rinse and trim the green beans.
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions (usually boil water, add rice, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes).
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté diced chicken until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce and honey; let sauce bubble slightly.
- Add green beans; cover and cook for about 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Serve over jasmine rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg