Chicken with Green Beans
When it comes to quick and nutritious dinner options, few meals are as satisfying as chicken with green beans and rice. This dish is a perfect combination of lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and hearty grains. It’s not only easy to make, but it also ticks all the boxes when it comes to flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking to create a comforting dinner for the family or preparing something wholesome for meal prep, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 ½ cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the green beans: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they’re tender but still crisp. Remove the green beans from the pan and set them aside.
- Cook the chicken: Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and turn the heat to high. Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
- Combine green beans and chicken: Add the cooked green beans back to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes to warm through.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and green beans. Stir and bring to a simmer. Then, whisk in the cornstarch mixture and bring it to a boil. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and green beans immediately over rice (optional).
Notes
- Veggie options: You can add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli to this stir fry for added flavor and nutrition.
- Meal prep tip: This recipe is great for meal prep! Store in airtight containers with rice and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Honey substitution: If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute honey with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.