Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans is a delightful dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with the savory notes of garlic and tender chicken. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans recipe is fantastic for several reasons. First, it’s a complete meal in one skillet, combining protein and vegetables without the need for extra sides. The sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce elevates the dish, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
Making Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans is straightforward and requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a fantastic meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
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
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 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger, for honey garlic sauce
2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch for honey garlic sauce thickener
Directions:
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Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. In a medium bowl, combine the arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until each piece is lightly coated.
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Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the trimmed green beans, season them with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 6 minutes until they are charred and tender-crisp.
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While the green beans are cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder with 2 teaspoons of water, whisking until smooth to create a thickening slurry.
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Once the green beans are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken and green beans, then add the arrowroot slurry. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or cauliflower rice for a nutritious meal.
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days, and reheat as needed.
Pro Tips for Success with Honey Garlic Chicken
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Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking. This helps every bite to be juicy and perfectly cooked.
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Cook Over Medium-High Heat: Cooking at this temperature helps develop a great sear on the chicken and keeps the green beans crunchy.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce depending on your preference for sweetness.
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Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a significant difference in flavor. Avoid using powdered versions for the best results.
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Double the Sauce: If you’re a fan of saucy dishes, consider doubling the sauce ingredients to have extra for drizzling over your rice or veggies.
Flavor Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken
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Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, include pineapple chunks in the stir-fry along with the chicken and green beans. The pineapple juice will enhance the sauce’s sweetness.
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Mix in Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch. They pair wonderfully with the honey garlic flavor!
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Use Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option while maintaining the same flavors.
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Herbs and Spices: Experiment with adding herbs like basil or cilantro to the dish right before serving for a fresh and aromatic touch.
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Other Vegetables: Incorporate different vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or zucchini, allowing for seasonal variations and extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish is fantastically versatile and pairs well with several sides:
- Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute and adds a nutritious boost.
- Quinoa: For a protein-packed alternative, serve with quinoa, which complements the dish’s flavors beautifully.
- Salad: Complement the meal with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Egg Noodles: For something different, serve it over cooked egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Honey Garlic Chicken
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for about 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQ About Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and richer in flavor. You can substitute them directly in this recipe without any adjustments to the cooking times, but be sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you’re looking for alternatives to honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile. For a lower-calorie substitute, consider using a sugar-free honey replacement.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Check all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before adding it to the skillet.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Certainly! You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick. This will add a delicious heat that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans is a delicious, wholesome dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The balance of sweetness and savoriness, combined with the crunch of fresh green beans, makes for a delightful eating experience. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to customize it to suit your palate!
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Honey Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful dish that balances the sweetness of honey with savory garlic and tender chicken, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger, for honey garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch for honey garlic sauce thickener
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. In a medium bowl, combine the arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until each piece is lightly coated.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the trimmed green beans, season them with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 6 minutes until they are charred and tender-crisp.
- While the green beans are cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder with 2 teaspoons of water, whisking until smooth to create a thickening slurry.
- Once the green beans are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken and green beans, then add the arrowroot slurry. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or cauliflower rice for a nutritious meal.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days, and reheat as needed. Adjust sweetness by modifying the honey to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian