Description
Sesame Chicken brings tender protein and crisp green beans together in a quick, satisfying dinner that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Balanced with fluffy rice and a light sauce, this meal delivers nutrition and flavor without complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Supporting Protein Coating:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Accompaniments:
- 2 cups cooked brown or jasmine rice
- 2 cups fresh green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Extra red pepper flakes
- Lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let your rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Mix 1 lb chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F.
- Cook your seasoned chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until pieces turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
- Add another 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in 2 cups trimmed green beans with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir-fry at medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until beans are crisp-tender.
- Whisk sauce ingredients in a small bowl: ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce into skillet and simmer at medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken and green beans to skillet. Gently toss everything to coat evenly with sesame sauce at 200°F for 30 seconds.
- Plate your dish over 2 cups cooked rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating for the chicken that helps seal in moisture and gives a golden exterior.
- Choose fresh green beans that snap cleanly when bent for the best texture and vibrant flavor in your stir-fry.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your honey is certified gluten-free.
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, as this stir-fry moves quickly and requires constant attention.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 29-32 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg