Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The honey lemon sauce beautifully coats the chicken and green beans, making each bite burst with flavor. It’s a simple dish that comes together quickly, making it great for busy evenings. Plus, with only a few ingredients, it’s easy to customize and a healthy option that everyone in the family will enjoy. The addition of sesame seeds and sliced green onions gives the dish a vibrant finish that’s both visually appealing and tasty.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Green Beans:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• 12 ounces green beans (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)

For the Honey Lemon Sauce:

• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1/4 cup honey (more or less to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 garlic clove (minced)

For Garnish (optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a medium bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes.

2. Make the Honey Lemon Sauce:

In a small saucepan, whisk together chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, cornstarch, ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Green Beans:

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Combine Chicken and Green Beans:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the honey lemon sauce over the chicken and green beans and toss to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully coat the ingredients and heat through.

6. Serve:

Transfer the chicken and green beans to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the dish for added color and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• Sweetness Adjustments: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and green beans in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the honey lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before adding it to the chicken and green beans.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! If you like a spicier dish, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chilies to the sauce.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but the dish may be a bit saltier. Consider reducing the added salt if you use regular soy sauce.

Can I substitute the rice wine vinegar with another vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute rice wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of honey?

You can use any type of honey for this recipe. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use clover honey, while a darker honey like buckwheat will give the dish a stronger flavor.

Can I use chicken breast with the skin on?

Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts if preferred. Just be sure to cook them longer to ensure the skin gets crispy and the meat is cooked through.

What can I serve with Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a side salad for a lighter meal. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes or couscous.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and make the honey lemon sauce ahead of time to save some time when cooking. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s best to cook the dish fresh.

Conclusion

Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and the sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce creates a perfectly balanced dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a restaurant-quality meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded dinner that everyone will love!

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