Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a vibrant, colorful meal. The juicy chicken shines with the rich notes of honey and garlic, while bright green beans add a beautiful pop of color to your plate. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even as a special occasion dish, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
As the aroma of honey and garlic fills your kitchen, you can almost taste the delicious combination waiting to be enjoyed. The crispy, tender chicken mixed with fresh green beans creates a meal that delights the senses. In this article, you’ll discover how to make this irresistible dish, including all the steps, tips, and variations to customize it just for you. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh chicken and vegetables for a healthy meal.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and nutrients from the green beans.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences.
- Presentation: The colorful dish looks stunning on any table.
You’ll find it hard to resist this delightful dish!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 12 ounces green beans (trimmed)
- 0.25 cup green onions (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons water (for sauce thickener)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- 0.25 cup chicken broth (for honey garlic sauce)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (for honey garlic sauce)
- 0.25 cup honey (for honey garlic sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced, for honey garlic sauce)
- 0.5 teaspoon grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, for honey garlic sauce)
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch (for honey garlic sauce thickener)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the green beans. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and arrowroot powder until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the pan with the green beans and pour in the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve on a large platter to show off the vibrant colors.
- Accompaniments: Pair with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Portions: Ideal for 4 servings, making it great for families.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with chilled iced tea or a light white wine.
This dish will surely make any meal memorable!
Additional Tips
- For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken for an hour before cooking.
- Customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the mix.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a heat boost.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a quicker, seafood delight.
- Oven-Baked Version: Bake the chicken and green beans in the oven for a hands-off approach.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen chicken or green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen ingredients. Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before cooking.
2. Is this dish suitable for a healthy diet?
Absolutely! It features lean protein and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then cook fresh just before serving.
4. How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences, or adjust the sauce sweetness.
5. What are alternative cooking methods?
You can grill the chicken or use a slow cooker for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is a fantastic dish that combines great taste with health benefits. Its inviting flavors and stunning presentation make it perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to special celebrations. With easy preparation and the chance to customize, you will want to make this dish again and again. Enjoy a delicious meal that you can be proud to serve!
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 ounces green beans, trimmed
- 0.25 cup green onions, chopped For garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Divided for cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch For coating chicken
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 0.25 cup chicken broth For honey garlic sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce For honey garlic sauce
- 0.25 cup honey For honey garlic sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced For honey garlic sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon grated ginger Or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger for honey garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch For honey garlic sauce thickener
- 2 teaspoons water For sauce thickener
Optional Garnish
- to taste sesame seeds Optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken pieces with arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cooking Green Beans
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the green beans. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Making Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and arrowroot powder until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the pan with the green beans and pour in the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving.
