introduction
Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and by spending time in the kitchen with my mother, I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. One recipe that stands out is Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans.
This dish encapsulates the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a meal bursting with flavor. People often search for Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans not only for its delicious taste but also for its ease of preparation. In this article, you will learn about the ingredients, the cooking process, and various tips to make your dish a success.
You may also find Chicken In Boursin Sauce With Garlic And Fine Herbs useful.
For more recipes follow me on Facebook and Pinterest. You may also find Crockpot Kielbasa And Green Beans useful.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
why make this recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is a standout recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor combination is incredibly appealing. The sweetness of honey perfectly balances the savory depth of garlic and soy sauce, resulting in a dish that satisfies every palate. Additionally, this recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Another advantage is the ingredient list, which features items that are often staples in many kitchens. The dish offers versatility; you can serve it over rice or noodles, or even enjoy it as a stand-alone meal. One can also easily make substitutions based on what’s available. For example, consider trying some crispy green beans seasoned with garlic and Parmesan as a side dish for some delightful crunch and flavor garlic Parmesan green beans. People often seek out this recipe when aiming for a quick yet fulfilling dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
how to make Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
To make Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans, start by focusing on the essential cooking techniques. First, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. The size is crucial as too large pieces may remain undercooked while smaller pieces risk drying out. Mixing arrowroot powder with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper will create a light coating that enhances flavor and texture.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. This is a key moment; ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. Leave the chicken pieces undisturbed for the first few minutes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. After cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Next, add more olive oil to the skillet and sauté the trimmed green beans. The goal here is to achieve a slight char while keeping them tender-crisp; overcooking will lead to soggy beans, which is not desirable. Therefore, about 6 minutes should suffice.
While the beans are cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This mixture will create a lovely sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. Do not forget to prepare a slurry using arrowroot powder and water; it’ll thicken the sauce at the end.
Once the green beans are ready, return the chicken to the skillet, pour the honey garlic sauce over it, and add the slurry. It is essential to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it all simmer until thickened. This step melds the flavors and creates a cohesive dish. Finally, add chopped green onions for freshness and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Ingredients
To prepare this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 Tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 12 oz green beans (trimmed)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Each ingredient has its role in the dish. The chicken is the protein source, while honey adds sweetness, and soy sauce offers a salty contrast. Arrowroot powder gives the chicken a slight crispness while aiding in thickening the sauce later. Make sure to choose fresh green beans for that lovely crunch, and don’t forget to rinse the chicken and herbs thoroughly to enhance their quality.
Directions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Mix together 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then toss with the chicken, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring the chicken as needed. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
- Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil onto the hot skillet, add the green beans, and season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté the green beans for about 6 minutes until they start to get a little char and are tender but still crisp; we don’t want floppy green beans!
- While things are cooking, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Separately, whisk together 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) along with 2 teaspoons of water and mix until smooth. Set aside.
- Once the green beans are nice and tender, add the chicken back into the pan and mix together. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, add in the arrowroot mixture to help thicken up the sauce, and stir well, making sure everything is coated. Bring the sauce to a boil, then turn down the heat and let everything simmer until the sauce has thickened and everything is incorporated.
- Top with sliced green onions (also known as scallions) and some sesame seeds. Serve over rice and enjoy!
For perfect results, make sure not to overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken; it helps achieve the desired crispiness and prevents steaming.
how to serve Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans can be served in various delightful ways. A fluffy bed of rice is an excellent base for this dish, soaking up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you might enjoy it over a bed of noodles for an exciting twist. Pairing with garlic bread can offer a lovely contrast and help scoop up the last bits of sauce.
You could also consider adding a light salad on the side, which will balance the sweet and savory notes of the dish. The crunchiness of the green beans, combined with the tender chicken, creates a pleasing texture that enhances the overall experience.
how to store Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Storing any leftovers from Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is fairly straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days without compromising the taste or texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume it within three months for the best quality. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. This will ensure the chicken stays juicy while the flavors mingle again.
tips to make Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
To elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will intensify the flavors. Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can easily be added to the sauce.
If you prefer a less sugary sauce, you can reduce the quantity of honey or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Lastly, experiment with vegetables by adding bell peppers or carrots to the mix for color and extra nutrients.
variation
If you’re looking to change things up, try replacing chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation. Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, following the same steps for the green beans and sauce.
You can also incorporate different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, which work beautifully with the dish’s flavors. For a healthier twist, consider swapping out honey for agave nectar, giving a similar sweetness while lowering calories.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and green beans in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to combine and serve. Just remember to add the sauce when you’re ready to eat.
What can I serve this dish with?
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans pairs well with rice, noodles, or quinoa. Adding a side salad helps to round out the meal.
Can I spicy up this dish?
Absolutely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or include some sliced chili peppers while cooking for a little kick.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans is an approachable recipe that brings a delightful array of flavors to your table. It is not only easy to prepare but also allows for customization to suit various tastes. For more inspiration in your kitchen, check out this recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans, or consider trying One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables for a quick meal. Don’t forget to explore Chicken and Green Beans for more delicious ideas!
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious dish featuring tender chicken and crisp green beans in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 Tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 12 oz green beans (trimmed)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Mix together arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then toss with the chicken.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet, add the green beans, and season. Sauté for about 6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Prepare a slurry with arrowroot powder and water.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over, add the slurry, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian