It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need a healthy dinner that tastes amazing. This honey garlic chicken and green beans is your new best friend. It is fast, fresh, and full of protein.
This dish delivers a sweet and savory glaze everyone loves. The chicken stays tender while the beans keep a nice crunch. It is the perfect solution for those busy nights. You will love how simple and satisfying this meal feels.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy weeknights. You only need one pan for the whole meal. That means minimal cleanup for you later. It is a great way to get protein and veggies together.
The flavors are balanced and very kid-friendly. Even picky eaters enjoy the sweet honey glaze. It also works perfectly for your weekly meal prep. The leftovers stay delicious and juicy for days.
How It Comes Together
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward and stress-free. You start by whisking a simple four-ingredient sauce. Then, you brown the chicken until it is golden. The green beans steam right in the same pan.
Everything gets tossed together in the savory glaze. The sauce thickens quickly and coats every bite. Even beginner cooks can master this recipe easily. You will feel like a pro in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients
Most of these items are likely in your pantry already. Use fresh green beans for the best texture.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Add the green beans to the same skillet with two tablespoons of water; cover with a lid and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the honey-garlic sauce over the chicken and green beans.
- Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, tossing constantly, until the sauce reduces to a thick glaze that coats the ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm over a bed of fluffy white rice. It also tastes wonderful with brown rice or quinoa. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice. The sauce is so good you will want to soak up every drop.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little crunch. You can also add extra red pepper flakes for heat. This is a complete meal that feels light yet filling. It is perfect for a healthy reset any day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. This makes it a fantastic option for work lunches. The flavors actually deepen as it sits.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results. You can also use the microwave for a quick meal. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick. It tastes just as good the next day.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the green beans so they stay bright green.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder for the best flavor.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Dry your chicken with paper towels before cooking for better browning.
- Wait for the skillet to be hot before adding the meat.
- Double the sauce if you like things extra saucy.
- Prep your veggies ahead of time for a faster dinner.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap green beans for broccoli florets or snap peas.
- Add a teaspoon of grated ginger for a zesty kick.
- Use maple syrup if you run out of honey.
- Top with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen beans in a pinch. They may be slightly softer than fresh ones. Do not thaw them before adding to the skillet.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a very mild heat. You can leave them out if you prefer. Or, add more if you love a spicy kick.
I hope this easy meal brings some calm to your busy weeknight. It is so rewarding to serve a fresh, home-cooked dinner. Enjoy every bite of this sticky, delicious glaze!
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/3 cup hone y
- 1/4 cup low -sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon sal t
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Add the green beans to the same skillet with two tablespoons of water; cover with a lid and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the honey-garlic sauce over the chicken and green beans.
- Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, tossing constantly, until the sauce reduces to a thick glaze that coats the ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
