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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Sliced green onions (for garnish) The main ingredients for this dish are simple and fresh. Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to help them cook evenly. Fresh green beans add a nice crunch and color. Trim them to remove the tough ends for the best taste. You will also need olive oil to cook the chicken and green beans. Garlic and ginger bring rich flavors that enhance the dish. The soy sauce and honey create a delightful balance of salty and sweet. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning! Finally, sesame seeds and green onions make great garnishes. They add a nice touch and extra flavor. With these ingredients, you’re all set to make a quick and tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Seasoning the chicken: Start by taking your chicken pieces. Sprinkle salt and pepper on them. Mix well to coat each piece. This adds flavor right from the start. - Preparing the skillet: Grab a large skillet or wok. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it on medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers. This means it's ready for cooking. - Browning the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently. You want them browned and cooked through. - Sautéing garlic and ginger: Once the chicken is done, take it out. Set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells great. - Stir-frying green beans: Now, add 2 cups of trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender. - Combining chicken and green beans: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey. Toss everything together. Cook for 2 more minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well. - Garnishing before serving: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds a nice touch and makes it look pretty. Enjoy your quick chicken and green beans! - Ideal heat settings: Use medium-high heat for cooking chicken. This helps brown the meat well while keeping it juicy. If your pan gets too hot, reduce the heat slightly. - Importance of stirring frequently: Stir often while cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. It also helps mix the flavors. - Suggested marinades: Try marinating chicken in soy sauce and honey for an hour. This adds depth and sweetness. You can also mix in some garlic for extra flavor. - Additional seasoning options: Experiment with chili flakes for spice. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for tang. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. - Pairing with side dishes: Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. These pair well and soak up the sauce. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. - Presentation ideas: Use a colorful plate to serve your dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color. This makes your meal look more inviting and tasty. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the soy sauce and honey for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and garlic can significantly elevate the taste of the dish, so opt for fresh over frozen or canned. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha during the stir-fry for an extra kick. Perfectly Cooked Beans: To keep green beans crisp, avoid overcooking them. They should be vibrant and tender yet still have a slight crunch. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out the green beans for other veggies. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Each adds a unique taste and texture. For protein, chicken is great, but you can also use shrimp or tofu. Both cook quickly and absorb flavors well. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. They bring heat without overpowering the dish. You can also change the sauce. Instead of soy sauce, try teriyaki or hoisin. Each sauce gives a new twist to the flavor. If you're watching calories, use less olive oil or skip the honey. The dish will still taste great! For gluten-free options, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy a meal that fits your needs! Store your leftovers in airtight containers. This helps keep the chicken and green beans fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Label the containers with the date. This way, you know how long they have been in the fridge. Leftovers can last up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. You can reheat the chicken and green beans in several ways. The microwave is quick and easy. Place the food in a safe dish and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. You can also use a skillet on low heat. This method helps keep the texture nice. Just add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. If you want to save leftovers, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Portion it into smaller containers for easy use later. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For faster thawing, place it in a bowl of cold water. Reheat it as mentioned above to enjoy later. You can prep this dish in advance easily. Start by cutting the chicken and trimming the green beans. Store them in separate containers. Keep the garlic and ginger ready too. For storing, place the chicken and green beans in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to two days. When it's time to cook, just follow the recipe steps. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. Yes, you can use frozen green beans! They make cooking faster. Just add them straight to the skillet without thawing. Cook them a bit longer, about 5-6 minutes. This helps them become tender and warm. The flavors of garlic and ginger will still work great with frozen beans. This recipe is perfect for meal prep! It cooks quickly and tastes great when reheated. For best practices, make a larger batch. Divide it into meal containers. You can portion it to last for the week. Aim for one serving of chicken and one serving of green beans in each container. This way, you have balanced meals ready to go. This article shows you how to make quick chicken and green beans. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and storage info. You'll learn easy ways to cook and enjoy this dish. Remember, you can switch up the ingredients or flavors to fit your taste. With these tips, meal prep becomes simple and fun. Now, get cooking and enjoy your delicious meal!

Quick Chicken and Green Beans

A quick and easy stir-fry dish featuring chicken and fresh green beans, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 3
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • to taste sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are browned and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, and stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes, until they are vibrant green and slightly tender.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, and pour in the soy sauce and honey. Toss everything together, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for garnish.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, green beans, quick meal, stir-fry