Healthy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice

Okay, so let me tell you about this super yummy dinner I made—Healthy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice. It’s got that sweet and savory thing going on. And guess what? It’s way better than takeout.

The chicken is juicy. The green beans stay crunchy. And the sesame flavor? Oh wow—it brings it all together.

I love how it fills me up but doesn’t feel heavy. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and even my picky eater liked it. I make it on busy nights, and it always hits the spot.

Wanna try it too? I’ll walk you through the steps—it’s super simple. Let’s make it together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nourishing and Balanced: Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome rice come together in a single dish.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Coconut aminos replace soy sauce for a gluten-free twist that’s still packed with umami.
• Quick Weeknight Option: Ready in under 45 minutes with simple steps and familiar ingredients.
• Meal Prep Approved: Holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
• Light Yet Satisfying: The sesame sauce adds richness without heaviness.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 people as a complete meal. For more servings, double the ingredients and use a larger skillet.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and no special techniques are needed.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make this healthy sesame chicken:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A nonstick or stainless steel skillet with a lid is ideal for sautéing and simmering.
• Medium Saucepan: For cooking or reheating rice if not using leftover rice.
• Cutting Board + Knife: For dicing chicken and trimming green beans.
• Tongs or Spatula: To flip and stir the chicken evenly.
• Small Mixing Bowl: To whisk the sesame sauce.

Ingredients for Healthy Sesame Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring the dish together (exact amounts are in the recipe card at the end):

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed.
• Rice: Cooked white rice, preferably day-old for better texture.
• Cooking Oil: Avocado oil or any neutral oil for searing the chicken.
• Green Beans: Fresh and steamed for a tender-crisp bite.

For the Sesame Sauce:

• Coconut Aminos: A lighter, gluten-free soy sauce substitute with natural sweetness.
• Honey: Adds balance and a mild glaze.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides depth and nutty aroma.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for pungent warmth.
• Ground Ginger: Subtle spice and warmth to complement the garlic.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and slight acidity.
• Black Pepper: Just enough to enhance the other flavors.
• Lime Zest + Juice: Adds fresh, citrusy brightness.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top for a finishing touch and texture.

Variations for Healthy Sesame Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Try Different Veggies: Broccoli, snow peas, or snap peas work well in place of green beans.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Add Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped cashews or almonds can add crunch and richness.

How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Coconut aminos
• Honey
• Toasted sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Black pepper
• Lime zest
• Lime juice

Set aside. The sauce will be used after the chicken is cooked.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil.
2. Sear the chicken: Add the cubed chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 4–5 minutes undisturbed to allow it to brown.
3. Flip and cook through: Stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

3. Add the Green Beans

1. Steam if needed: If your green beans aren’t pre-steamed, steam them until just tender (about 4–5 minutes).
2. Combine with chicken: Add the steamed green beans to the skillet with the cooked chicken and toss to combine.

4. Add the Sauce

1. Pour and coat: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and green beans.
2. Simmer briefly: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and evenly coats everything.

5. Serve

Scoop some warm cooked rice into a bowl or plate. Spoon the sesame chicken and green beans over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds just before serving.

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken

This dish is complete on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out or switch it up:

• Bowl Style: Serve it over warm jasmine or brown rice with a few slices of avocado for a satisfying bowl.
• With Noodles: Swap rice for soba or rice noodles to turn it into a stir-fry bowl.
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the sesame chicken and green beans into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a light, handheld option.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro can add a fresh finish.
• Add a Crunch: Toss in toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for texture.

Storing Healthy Sesame Chicken

This meal stores well and is excellent for prepping ahead.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or coconut aminos if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Even Cubes: Try to keep the chicken pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
• Use Day-Old Rice: For best texture, use rice that’s been cooked and chilled—great for soaking up sauce without getting soggy.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce. You can add a little more lime juice for brightness or a touch more honey for sweetness.
• Prep in Advance: You can mix the sauce and steam the green beans ahead of time to speed up cooking later.

Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate for one serving (based on 4 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~360 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	28g
Sugars	6g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	2g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	~500mg

Note: Exact values may vary depending on brands and portion sizes.

Healthy Sesame Chicken FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance and stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely. Just steam them until tender before adding to the pan.

Is coconut aminos the same as soy sauce?
Not exactly. It’s milder, slightly sweeter, and naturally gluten-free. You can use low-sodium soy sauce as a substitute if gluten isn’t a concern.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan or cook the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

This Healthy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice recipe brings together everything you want in a weekday meal: it’s quick, wholesome, full of flavor, and completely satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you can come back to again and again—whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for the week ahead.