Chicken & Green Beans — Quick Weeknight Recipe
Tender chicken tossed with crisp-tender green beans in a fragrant garlic‑soy glaze. Ready in about 30 minutes — healthy, family-friendly, and easy to scale.
Ingredients
For the dish
For the sauce & seasoning
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste (soy sauce adds saltiness)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Step-by-step Instructions
- Prepare: Slice the chicken into thin strips. Wash and trim green beans.
- Optional — blanch green beans: Boil 2–3 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar (or lemon), black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or wok, cook chicken 5–6 minutes until golden and done. Remove to a plate.
- Cook the beans: Add remaining oil, sauté garlic 30 seconds, then add beans. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes.
- Combine: Return chicken, add sauce, toss to coat. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, sprinkle sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Toss with noodles for a hearty bowl.
- Pair with a cucumber salad or pickled veggies for freshness.
Cooking Tips
- Marinate chicken in the sauce for 20 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Blanch beans first for extra crispness and bright color.
- Swap chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water while simmering.
Tags: #chicken #greenbeans #quickmeals #weeknight