Sesame Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry
Sesame Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty dish that brings together crispy chicken pieces and fresh green beans coated in a flavorful sesame sauce. The sesame…
Tip: save now, cook later.Sesame Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty dish that brings together crispy chicken pieces and fresh green beans coated in a flavorful sesame sauce. The sesame seeds add a nice little crunch, and the sauce is perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of soy goodness. It’s a great meal when you want something that feels homemade but comes together fast.
I love making this stir-fry when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying and fresh. One of my favorite tricks is to make sure the green beans stay bright and crunchy by cooking them just enough so they don’t lose their snap. It makes the dish feel so lively and adds a great contrast to the tender chicken. I usually sprinkle a little extra sesame seeds on top for a bit of fun texture.
This dish works great served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, soaking up all that delicious sauce. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. I find that it’s always a hit with family and friends, probably because it’s simple but full of flavor and color. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze after because it all comes together in one pan!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps the pieces tender and quick to cook. You can swap with chicken thighs for a juicier bite—just cook a bit longer to ensure doneness.
Green Beans & Bell Pepper: Fresh green beans add a crisp texture. If you can’t find green beans, snap peas or asparagus work well. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and color, but any bell pepper will do.
Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: These bring the salty and slightly sweet notes to the sauce. For a gluten-free option, choose tamari or coconut aminos. If you don’t have hoisin, a bit of BBQ sauce mixed with a little honey can be a substitute.
Sesame Seeds & Oil: Toasted sesame oil gives a warm, nutty flavor, so don’t skip it. If you’re allergic to sesame, you can leave out the seeds and use a mild oil like avocado oil instead.
How Do You Keep Green Beans Crisp and Bright in a Stir-Fry?
Green beans can turn soft and dull if overcooked. To keep them vibrant and crunchy, follow these tips:
- Trim and blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water before stir-frying to lock in color and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook beans quickly over high heat so they stay crisp.
- Stir-fry beans for just 4-5 minutes, until tender-crisp but still bright green.
These simple steps make green beans a delightful crunch in every bite of your stir-fry.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for high-heat cooking and tossing ingredients quickly.
- Sharp knife – makes cutting chicken and veggies faster and safer.
- Cutting board – essential for prepping vegetables and chicken cleanly.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the sauce.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps you stir and toss without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken with shrimp for a quicker cook and a slightly sweet flavor.
- Add chopped cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch that pairs great with sesame.
- Mix in snap peas or broccoli for more veggie variety and color.
- Stir in a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to add some heat and spice.
How to Make Sesame Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for stir-frying)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry if you want your sauce a bit thicker. Set this mixture aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry them for about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them around for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the trimmed green beans and diced red bell pepper. Stir-fry everything together for 4-5 minutes, so the veggies get tender but still stay crisp and nice and bright.
4. Combine and Finish:
Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in that delicious sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens a little and everything is heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Sprinkle sesame seeds all over the stir-fry and toss to combine. Serve the chicken and green beans hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.
Enjoy your tasty and nutritious Sesame Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Stir-Fry?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture and prevent proper browning.
What Can I Substitute for Green Beans?
If you don’t have green beans, snap peas, asparagus, or broccoli florets make great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the veggies crisp and vibrant.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the stir-fry and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally for even heating, or use the microwave.
