There’s nothing quite like the sweet and savory harmony of Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans to brighten up a busy weeknight. Picture this: you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you feel like doing is slaving away in the kitchen. Enter this magical one-pan meal, where tender chunks of chicken meet crisp green beans, all swimming in a glossy honey garlic sauce. In under 30 minutes, your kitchen transforms into a haven of delicious aromas, making you feel like a culinary superstar with minimal effort.
I stumbled upon this recipe after a frantic day, juggling work and family duties, desperate for a quick yet nutritious dinner. The best part? Kids love it! You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, and voilà —a meal that’s not only satisfying but also gluten-free and high in protein. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply feed your family, this dish checks all the boxes for a delicious dinner that brings everyone together around the table. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why is Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans irresistible?
Quick and Easy: This one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Savory-Sweet Balance: The combination of honey and garlic creates a flavor symphony that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
Kid-Friendly Delight: Kids adore this dish, ensuring dinner time is a joy, not a struggle.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap out green beans for other veggies, or substitute chicken with pork or tofu for variety.
High-Protein Goodness: Each serving is packed with protein to keep you energized and satisfied.
Elevate your dinner routine and discover more quick and satisfying meals like this gluten-free rice bowl.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein source; cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Arrowroot Powder (or Cornstarch) – A thickening agent; substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth of flavor; opt for fresh garlic for an even richer taste.
• Onion Powder – Enhances overall taste and aroma, creating a well-rounded dish.
• Salt – Essential to enhance flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Black Pepper – Provides a subtle heat; don’t be shy to season to your liking.
• Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing; avocado oil is a great substitute if preferred.
For the Veggies
• Green Beans – The main vegetable; trim them to ensure they cook evenly and stay crisp.
• Green Onions – An optional garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
For the Sauce
• Chicken Broth – Adds depth to the sauce; low-sodium is great for controlling salt levels.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Provides umami flavor; tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
• Honey – The natural sweetener that brings a lovely balance to this Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans dish.
• Garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic flavor.
• Grated Ginger – Introduces a warm spice; ground ginger is a suitable substitute.
For Garnishing
• Sesame Seeds – Optional sprinkles add crunch and visual appeal; feel free to skip if desired.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and toss them with arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This helps achieve a flavorful coating.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
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Add the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with the trimmed green beans. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing for about 6 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
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Mix the Sauce: While the green beans are cooking, whisk together chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix arrowroot powder with a bit of water until smooth.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the green beans, then pour the honey garlic sauce over the mixture. Add the arrowroot slurry to thicken the sauce. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until everything is well-coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve: Dish up your honey garlic chicken and green beans garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Optional: For a little kick, drizzle some chili sauce over the dish before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans?
Looking to create a delightful meal that complements the sweet and savory harmony of your main dish?
- Fluffy White Rice: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful honey garlic sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The subtle floral notes of jasmine rice pair beautifully, enhancing the dish’s deliciousness.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior provide a delightful contrast, creating a hearty side that rounds out the meal.
- Garlic Butter Noodles: These tender noodles coated in rich garlic butter harmonize with the chicken for a comforting touch.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a crisp and light contrast to the savory chicken.
- Sauteed Bok Choy: This offers a slight crunch and a touch of sweetness, harmonizing beautifully with the rich flavors on your plate.
- Chilled Sparkling Water: The bubbles refresh the palate, making every bite of honey garlic chicken even more delicious.
- Mango Sorbet: A cold, fruity dessert that cleanses the palate with each bite, perfect for a sweet finish to your meal.
Honey Garlic Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free while maintaining that delicious umami flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to kick the heat up a notch and awaken your senses.
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Veggie Twist: Swap green beans for broccoli or snap peas to bring a new texture and flavor to the dish. Both options retain crunch while adding vibrant color!
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Protein Swap: Try using pork tenderloin or tofu instead of chicken. Both will absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully, offering different yet delightful flavors.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter, low-carb alternative that holds up well with the sauce!
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Savory Garlic: Replace garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for an earthier, more robust flavor profile. Fresh garlic never disappoints!
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Fruit Infusion: Toss in sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks while cooking for a burst of sweetness and a wonderful contrast to savory notes.
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Citrus Boost: Squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the finished dish for a zesty brightness that enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Each variation invites a new taste experience, ensuring your dinner remains exciting and full of flavors your family will love!
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring the flavors penetrate deeply for a truly delicious outcome. Additionally, you can trim the green beans and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the chicken until cooked through, add the green beans, and follow with the prepared sauce; it will still taste just as scrumptious. This prep-ahead strategy not only saves you valuable time on busy weeknights but also guarantees a satisfying, home-cooked meal with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. This allows you to enjoy this delicious dish another day!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date for reference.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce.
Serving Tip: Enjoy this Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans warm and fresh, and remember to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Expert Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken
Juicy Chicken: Ensure chicken is cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid dryness and keep it tender.
Pan Space: Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing chicken; this allows for browning and better texture.
Fresh Aromatics: Using fresh garlic and ginger enhances the flavor profile of your Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans.
Vege Variations: Don’t hesitate to swap green beans for vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to tailor the dish to your family’s taste preferences.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the arrowroot slurry until it reaches your desired consistency.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for bright green beans that are firm and crisp. Avoid beans that have dark spots or are wilting, as they may not be as fresh or flavorful. When you snap a green bean, it should break cleanly; this is a good sign of quality!
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What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very easy! Refrigerate your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. For the best texture and flavor, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help revive the sauce.
Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
What should I do if my sauce isn’t thickening?
No worries! If your sauce isn’t thickening, mix an additional teaspoon of arrowroot powder with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce and continue to cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Remember, you can always add more arrowroot mixture a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for people with soy allergies?
Definitely! For those with soy allergies, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with coconut aminos or a homemade soy sauce alternative. Both options will provide a similar savory flavor profile without the soy.
Can I use frozen chicken or green beans?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s thawed completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. For frozen green beans, there’s no need to thaw; simply add them to the skillet and increase cooking time slightly until heated through. This flexibility makes it a great option even on hectic nights!
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans in 30 Minutes Flat
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and toss them with arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with the trimmed green beans. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing for about 6 minutes until tender yet still crisp.
- Whisk together chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix arrowroot powder with a bit of water until smooth.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the green beans, then pour the honey garlic sauce over the mixture. Add the arrowroot slurry to thicken the sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until well-coated and the sauce has thickened.
- Dish up your honey garlic chicken and green beans garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over fluffy rice.