A heavenly aroma wafts through the kitchen as you prepare a steaming plate of sesame chicken with green beans and rice. The perfect marriage of tender chicken coated in a sweet soy glaze mingles with crisp green beans and fluffy rice—a dish that practically dances off your plate. Just imagine sinking your fork into this delightful ensemble; it’s like a warm hug on a busy weeknight.
This dish has been the star at countless family dinners and casual gatherings. I can still hear my mother exclaiming how she’d transform leftovers into an epic lunch the next day—if there were any leftovers to begin with! Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sesame chicken recipe is incredibly simple to make while delivering an explosion of flavor
- It looks gorgeous on your dinner table and is versatile for various occasions
- Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes clean-up feel like a breeze!
Every time I serve this dish, friends and family rave about its deliciousness—like that time my sister thought she could out-eat me in sesame chicken. Spoiler alert: she couldn’t!
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; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Green Beans: Look for vibrant green beans; they should snap easily when fresh.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; choose firm cloves for maximum flavor.
- Ginger: Use fresh ginger for a zesty kick; it’s worth the effort over powdered versions.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage saltiness without sacrificing taste.
- Sesame Oil: This oil brings that nutty aroma; just a drizzle goes a long way.
- Brown Sugar: It balances the savory elements beautifully; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Rice: Serve over jasmine or basmati rice for added fragrance—trust me on this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting cooking; chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and trim the ends off the green beans.
Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking your rice according to package instructions until fluffy—this usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the chicken pieces in sesame oil until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
Add Garlic and Ginger: Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Add Green Beans: Stir in fresh green beans next; cook them until they’re bright green but still crisp (around 4-5 minutes).
Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce and brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the cooked mixture—let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.
Now you have everything ready! Plate your sesame chicken with green beans atop fluffy rice and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig in! Enjoy each bite as flavors meld together beautifully.
You Must Know
- Sesame chicken with green beans and rice is a delightful dish that balances flavors perfectly
- The sesame adds a nutty aroma, while the green beans provide a crunch that complements the tender chicken
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds enhances its presentation, making it visually appealing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor. Sauté the chicken until golden brown, then add green beans and cook until vibrant. Finish by stirring in the sauce for a deliciously cohesive dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap green beans for broccoli or bell peppers if desired. You can also experiment with different sauces, like teriyaki or hoisin, to give it a unique twist. Adding crushed red pepper can spice things up!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave on medium power for two to three minutes or until heated through, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect sesame chicken, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this prevents sticking and ensures a nice sear
- Slice your chicken uniformly for even cooking, and don’t skimp on sesame seeds—they add crucial flavor and texture!
Sometimes I whip up this dish when friends come over; their smiles as they devour it make every moment in the kitchen worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans for sesame chicken?
Yes, but fresh green beans offer better texture and flavor in this dish.
What kind of rice pairs best with sesame chicken?
Jasmine or basmati rice complements sesame chicken’s flavors beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute soy sauce with tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Easy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor this quick and easy sesame chicken with green beans and rice, a delightful weeknight dish that captivates your taste buds in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice, cooked
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken and trimming green beans.
- Cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and crisp.
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce and brown sugar together; pour over the chicken mixture. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the sesame chicken over rice and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 675mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
