Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the tantalizing aroma of sesame chicken with green beans and rice. The sweet and savory sauce clings to tender pieces of chicken while vibrant green beans add a fresh crunch. It’s like a culinary hug that warms the soul and makes your taste buds dance.

This dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter mingles with the sizzling sounds of cooking. Picture everyone around the table eagerly waiting for that first bite—it’s a moment worth savoring. Trust me; this is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.
Here’s what makes this recipe a must-try:
– It’s incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
– The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweetness and savory goodness that appeals to all ages.
– Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, sure to impress at any dinner table.
– Versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a go-to meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sesame chicken with green beans and rice offers an effortless way to bring restaurant flavors home
- You can easily adjust ingredients based on your preferences or pantry stock
- The colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching dish for guests
- Perfect for busy nights but fancy enough for special occasions
I vividly recall the first time I served this sesame chicken dish at my family reunion. My cousin’s eyes lit up after the first bite, followed by everyone else diving in like they’d been starved for days!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
- Fresh Green Beans: Look for bright green ones; they’ll add color and crunch to your dish.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are ideal; they pack a punch of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Sesame Oil: This nutty oil elevates the flavor; use it sparingly for extra richness.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness that beautifully complements the savory elements in this dish.
- Rice (White or Brown): Your choice! Cook according to package directions while preparing the rest of the meal.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted or plain; sprinkle them on top for added texture and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and maximizes flavor absorption.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds will do!
Cook the Chicken: Toss in your diced chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown and no longer pink inside—around 5-7 minutes should suffice.
Add Green Beans & Sauce: Stir in fresh green beans along with soy sauce and brown sugar mixture. Cook until beans are tender yet crisp—about 3-5 minutes works perfectly.
Serve Over Rice: Fluff cooked rice with a fork before serving. Spoon your delicious sesame chicken over it like a crown atop its throne.
Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over everything before serving. Watch as people rave about how good this looks—and tastes!
This sesame chicken with green beans and rice is not just food; it’s an experience filled with joy, laughter, and perhaps a few spilled grains of rice along the way! So roll up those sleeves, gather your loved ones, and get ready for some serious flavor fun!
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect sesame chicken is in the marination
- Letting the chicken sit in the marinade adds depth and flavor, making every bite delectable
- The aroma of sesame mingling with the fresh green beans will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Sear it until golden, then stir-fry green beans while cooking rice to save time and ensure everything finishes simultaneously.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free twist on this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For crispy chicken, pat it dry before marinating to help the coating stick better
- Always taste your sauce before serving; you might want more sweetness or saltiness
- Fresh ginger adds a kick that elevates the dish immensely
I remember the first time I made sesame chicken; my friends devoured it! They called me a culinary genius, but really, it was just this recipe working its magic.
FAQ
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
You can use olive oil or avocado oil if you need an alternative.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work well; just add them directly to the pan without thawing.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Easy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Indulge in this flavorful sesame chicken with green beans and rice—an effortless dish that transforms any weeknight dinner into a culinary delight.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with soy sauce and brown sugar for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in fresh green beans and cook until tender yet crisp (3-5 minutes).
- Serve the sesame chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg