Sesame Glazed Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe

Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe With Green Beans And Rice

Sesame chicken stands out as a crowd-pleasing favorite that promises pure comfort and satisfaction.

Crispy, golden pieces coated in a rich, savory glaze have made this dish a staple in many households.

Home cooks and takeout enthusiasts alike appreciate its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick, delicious, and universally loved – and this recipe delivers exactly that.

Minimal preparation meets maximum taste in a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Restaurant-style quality emerges straight from your own kitchen, proving that gourmet experiences don't require complicated techniques.

Prepare to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together effortlessly.

What Makes Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice So Balanced

What Makes Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice So Balanced
  • Quick Kitchen Win: This sesame chicken comes together faster than ordering takeout, letting you serve a delicious meal without complicated steps or tons of dishes.
  • Healthy Comfort Food: Pack tons of protein and crisp green beans into one skillet, creating a balanced plate that feels satisfying without heavy ingredients.
  • Simple Ingredient Magic: With just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and ginger, your dinner transforms into a restaurant-quality meal that feels fancy but takes minimal effort.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults both appreciate the sweet and savory sauce coating tender chicken, making mealtime a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will happily eat.

Essential Ingredients for Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice

Chicken And Green Beans:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and evenly for perfect texture.
  • Fresh Green Beans (2 cups): Trimmed and ready to add a crisp, nutritious element to your meal.
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps cook chicken and green beans with a smooth, light flavor.
  • Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty background note to enhance overall taste.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the chicken to bring out its natural flavors.
  • Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle warmth and depth to the protein.
Sesame Sauce:
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Creates the savory base for your sauce, with less salt.
  • Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings a natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, tangy touch to the sauce.
  • Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon): Provides a zesty, warming undertone.
  • Garlic (2 cloves): Delivers a robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Helps thicken the sauce for perfect coating consistency.
Serving:
  • Cooked Rice (2 cups): Serves as a warm, fluffy base for your delicious chicken and green beans.
  • Sesame Seeds (1 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy garnish.
  • Green Onion (1): Chopped and scattered for a fresh, light finish.

Simple Kitchen Equipment for Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice

  • Large Skillet: Your go-to pan for searing chicken and creating delicious stir-fry dishes that cook quickly and evenly.
  • Small Mixing Bowls (2): Perfect for whisking sauce ingredients and preparing cornstarch slurry without making a mess on your counter.
  • Whisk: Essential tool for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps in your sesame sauce.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps ensure precise amounts of ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch for balanced flavor.
  • Measuring Cups: Guarantees accurate liquid measurements for your sauce and water mixture.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Allows you to stir and coat ingredients without scratching your skillet’s surface.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing chicken pieces with clean, even cuts.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean, stable surface for prepping ingredients safely.

Preparation Steps for Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

Preparation Steps for Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
1

Prep The Skillet

Grab a large skillet and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until the pan feels warm and ready for cooking.

2

Cook The Chicken

Toss in the chicken pieces, sprinkling with:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sizzle the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown. When the chicken looks perfectly cooked through, scoop it out and set aside on a clean plate.

3

Sauté The Green Beans

Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet. Slide in the fresh green beans and dance them around the pan for 3-5 minutes. Keep them moving so they get tender but stay crisp. Transfer the green beans to the plate with the chicken.

4

Create The Sesame Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together these sauce ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
5

Thicken The Sauce

Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a separate cup. Stir this into the sauce mixture to help it thicken beautifully.

6

Combine And Finish

Return the cooked chicken and green beans to the skillet. Pour the sesame sauce over everything and stir gently. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce clings to each piece.

7

Serve And Garnish

Spoon the hot chicken and green beans over 2 cups of steamed rice. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and the chopped green onion for a fresh finish.

Helpful Cooking Notes For Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice

Helpful Cooking Notes For Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice
  • Get your skillet hot before adding chicken to create a perfect golden-brown exterior that seals in flavor.
  • Season chicken generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece browns evenly without overcrowding the pan.
  • Stir-fry green beans quickly to maintain their vibrant color and satisfying crisp texture.
  • Whisk cornstarch with water separately to prevent lumps and help your sauce thicken smoothly and quickly.
  • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish to add a nutty crunch and authentic Asian restaurant feel.

Flavor Twists For Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice

  • Tofu Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before cooking, which creates a plant-based protein alternative that absorbs the sesame sauce beautifully.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the dish’s delicious flavor profile and keeping your meal lighter.
  • Spicy Chili Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sesame sauce, giving your chicken an extra kick that transforms the entire meal’s heat level and excitement.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and confirm your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this flavorful meal.

What Pairs Well With Sesame Chicken And Green Beans

  • Serve Perfectly Portioned: Scoop a generous portion of steamed rice into each bowl, then top with the sesame chicken and green beans. Make sure everyone gets an equal mix of protein and veggies.
  • Add Crunch with Garnishes: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions over the dish for extra texture and a bright pop of flavor that makes your meal feel restaurant-worthy.
  • Pair with Simple Sides: Complement the dish with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or a small side of pickled vegetables to balance the savory sesame sauce.
  • Boost Nutrition Easily: Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice to add more fiber and nutrients to your meal without changing the delicious core flavor profile.
  • Keep leftover chicken and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might separate slightly, but a quick stir will bring everything back together when reheating.
  • Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for quick weeknight meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to keep the chicken tender.
  • Store extra cooked rice separately from the chicken to prevent it from getting soggy. Reheat rice in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep it fluffy.
  • If making the sauce ahead of time, store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake before using to remix the ingredients.

Answers To Common Questions About Sesame Chicken With Green Beans

FAQ

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or beef work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

FAQ

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe as written isn’t spicy, but adding red pepper flakes or sriracha can give it a nice kick if you enjoy heat.

FAQ

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

FAQ

Are there any gluten-free alternatives for the soy sauce?

Coconut aminos or tamari sauce are excellent gluten-free substitutes that will maintain the same flavor profile.

FAQ

Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop ingredients and make the sauce in advance. Cook the chicken and vegetables just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

FAQ

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as replacements in the sauce without dramatically changing the overall taste.

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Sesame Glazed Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe

Sesame Glazed Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sesame chicken delivers a quick, protein-packed dinner that makes weeknight cooking totally delightful. Crispy chicken pieces nestled with green beans over fluffy rice create a satisfying meal your family will devour in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins & Vegetables:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 2 cups green beans

Seasonings & Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Serving:

  • 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet at medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with heat.
  2. Sprinkle your chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then cook for 6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Transfer chicken to a clean plate, keeping the delicious pan drippings.
  4. Pour remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet, tossing in 2 cups trimmed green beans.
  5. Sauté green beans for 4 minutes, maintaining a slight crunch and vibrant green color.
  6. Whisk ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl.
  7. Dissolve 1 teaspoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water, then blend into the sauce mixture until smooth.
  8. Return chicken and green beans to the skillet, pouring the sesame sauce over everything.
  9. Simmer sauce for 2 minutes, gently stirring to ensure even coating and slight thickening.
  10. Plate your chicken and green beans over 2 cups hot rice.
  11. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Get your skillet really hot before adding chicken to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in delicious flavor.
  • Use fresh green beans for the crispiest texture, and don’t overcook them to maintain their bright green color and slight crunch.
  • Adjust the honey in the sauce to control sweetness – less honey makes a more savory dish, while more creates a slightly sweeter coating.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free cornstarch to thicken the sauce perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Sautéed
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 308 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 435 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Lane

Sophie Lane

Recipe Developer

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Rouxbe Online Culinary School
  • Program: Professional Cook Certificate
  • Focus: Online culinary training covering knife skills, cooking techniques, and plant-based and modern cooking approaches.
Schoolcraft College
  • Certificate: Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on culinary education supported by experienced chefs, focusing on practical cooking and food preparation skills.

Sophie brings a calm and flexible approach to Families With Purpose. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, she creates recipes that feel simple, clear, and easy to make at home. She focuses on family-friendly meals, healthy everyday cooking, ingredient swaps, and beginner-friendly ideas. Sophie helps make each recipe approachable and easy to follow, especially for busy families who need meals that can bend with the day.

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