Name: Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

This quick honey garlic chicken and green beans meal comes together in just 30 minutes. It is a flavorful one-pan dinner that pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a complete meal.

List of ingredients

1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 Tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch – used to coat chicken for a light crust
1/2 tsp garlic powder – for seasoning the chicken
1/4 tsp onion powder – for seasoning the chicken
1/4 tsp salt – for seasoning the chicken
1/4 tsp black pepper – for seasoning the chicken
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided – for sautéing chicken and vegetables
12 oz green beans, trimmed – fresh beans work best
1/4 cup green onions, chopped – for garnish
Sesame seeds – optional garnish for texture
1/4 cup chicken broth – provides a savory base for the sauce
3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – for umami and saltiness
1/4 cup honey – for sweetness and a glossy glaze
4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic for a bold flavor
1/2 tsp grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger) – for warmth and zest
2 tsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch – used to thicken the final sauce

step-by-step instructions

Prepare the chicken: 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 making sure each piece is lightly coated.
Cook the chicken: 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 to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the green beans: Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil onto the hot skillet, add the green beans and season with a little salt and pepper. Saute the green beans for about 6 minutes until they start to get a little char and are tender, but still crisp.
Prepare the sauce: While things are cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Separately, whisk together 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) along with 2 teaspoons of water and mix until smooth. Set aside.
Combine and thicken: Once the green beans are nice and tender, add the chicken back into the pan and mix together. Pour the honey garlic sauce over 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 up and everything is incorporated.
Final garnish: Top with sliced green onions (aka scallions) and some sesame seeds. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

Use Uniform Chicken Sizes for Even Cooking

Cutting the chicken breasts into consistent 1-inch cubes ensures that every piece cooks at the same rate. This prevents smaller pieces from drying out while larger ones remain undercooked.

Achieve a Proper Sear on the Meat

Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the oil and chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if the chicken is too crowded, it will steam instead of searing, which prevents the golden-brown crust from forming.

Maintain a Crisp Texture in Green Beans

Sauté the green beans just until they are tender-crisp. Overcooking the beans leads to a mushy texture that does not hold the sauce as effectively as crisp beans do.

Prevent the Sauce from Burning

Honey contains natural sugars that can burn if the heat is too high. Once the sauce begins to thicken, lower the heat to a simmer to ensure a smooth, glossy glaze without charred bits.

Ensure a Lump-Free Sauce Slurry

Always mix the arrowroot powder or cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot pan. Adding the powder directly to hot liquid often results in clumps that are difficult to whisk out.

Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives

Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Options

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both alternatives provide a similar salty and umami profile without the wheat found in traditional soy sauce.

Replacing Honey with Other Sweeteners

If honey is unavailable, maple syrup or brown sugar are suitable replacements. Maple syrup adds a slightly woody note, while brown sugar provides a more traditional caramel-like sweetness.

Arrowroot Powder vs Cornstarch

Both arrowroot powder and cornstarch serve as effective thickening agents. Arrowroot often creates a clearer, glossier finish and is a common choice for those avoiding corn-based products.

Alternative Green Vegetables

You can swap green beans for broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or sugar snap peas. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the density of the vegetable to ensure they reach a tender-crisp state.

Using Dried Ginger Instead of Fresh

If you do not have fresh ginger, ground ginger is a viable alternative. Use approximately half the amount of ground ginger compared to fresh, as dried spices are more concentrated in flavor.

Flavor Variations to Try

Adding a Spicy Kick with Sriracha

For those who prefer more heat, whisk 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha or Sambal Oelek into the sauce mixture. This adds a spicy depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Incorporating Toasted Sesame Oil

Replacing one tablespoon of the olive oil with toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma. This enhancement gives the dish a more authentic stir-fry scent and flavor profile.

Using Different Protein Options

This sauce works well with shrimp, salmon chunks, or firm tofu. If using shrimp, cook them quickly for 2-3 minutes per side to avoid a rubbery texture.

Adding Extra Aromatics

Adding finely minced lemongrass or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor. Sauté these along with the garlic and ginger to infuse the oil with more complexity.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Best Types of Rice for Pairing

Jasmine rice is highly recommended for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. For a nuttier taste and more fiber, brown rice or wild rice are excellent choices.

Low-Carb Grain Alternatives

Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute for traditional grains. Sauté the cauliflower rice separately before topping it with the honey garlic chicken and beans.

Complementary Side Dishes

A chilled cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet sauce. Steamed bok choy is another healthy addition to the plate.

Creative Garnish Ideas

Beyond green onions and sesame seeds, try adding fresh cilantro or sliced red chilies for a pop of color. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the final dish can brighten all the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Refrigeration and Shelf Life

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Ensure the meal is cooled slightly before sealing the lid to prevent excess condensation from making the beans soggy.

Best Way to Reheat in a Skillet

Reheat the chicken and beans in a skillet over medium heat with a teaspoon of water or oil. This method helps restore the sear on the chicken and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.

Using the Microwave for Leftovers

Place the food in a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle a small amount of water over the top. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Freezing Instructions for Meal Prep

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the meal completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixing a Sauce That is Too Thin

If the sauce has not thickened enough, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute.

Correcting an Overly Salty Sauce

If the soy sauce makes the dish too salty, add a splash of water or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The acidity helps neutralize the sodium levels and balances the taste.

Preventing Overcooked Chicken

To keep the chicken juicy, ensure you do not overcook it during the initial searing phase. Remove the chicken as soon as it is golden brown, as it will finish cooking when added back to the sauce.

Avoiding Soggy Green Beans

Cook the green beans separately from the chicken and remove them from the heat the moment they are tender. Adding them back to the pan only at the end preserves their structural integrity.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large Non-Stick Skillet

A wide, non-stick skillet is ideal for this recipe because it allows the chicken to be spread in an even layer. This prevents the meat from steaming and ensures a better sear.

Stainless Steel Whisk

A small whisk is essential for combining the honey, soy sauce, and broth into a smooth emulsion. It is also necessary for creating a lump-free slurry with the arrowroot powder.

Sharp Chef’s Knife

Using a sharp knife allows you to cut the chicken and green beans into uniform pieces. Consistent sizing is key to ensuring that all ingredients cook evenly throughout the process.

Accurate Measuring Tools

Use standard measuring spoons and cups to ensure the ratio of honey to soy sauce is correct. Precise measurements prevent the sauce from becoming too sweet or too salty.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Selecting Fresh Green Beans

Choose green beans that are firm and snap easily when bent. Avoid beans that are limp, shriveled, or have brown spots, as these will not sauté properly.

Choosing the Right Honey

Liquid honey is easiest to mix into the sauce. If you have crystallized honey, gently warm it in a microwave or over a water bath until it becomes fluid again.

Fresh vs Powdered Garlic

While garlic powder is used for seasoning the meat, fresh minced garlic is used in the sauce for a punchier flavor. Using both provides layers of garlic taste throughout the dish.

Selecting Quality Soy Sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce is preferred to maintain control over the salt levels. If you prefer a deeper, richer flavor, a naturally brewed soy sauce often provides more complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but sauté them directly from frozen without boiling them first. This prevents them from becoming too soft and mushy in the final dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This is an ideal meal prep recipe because the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator. It holds up well during reheating and stays flavorful for several days.

How do I store the leftover sauce?

Any extra sauce can be stored in a glass jar in the fridge for up to a week. It can be used as a glaze for roasted salmon, tofu, or other stir-fry vegetables.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are excellent high-heat alternatives to olive oil. These oils have higher smoke points, which are beneficial when searing chicken at medium-high temperatures.