Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly quick dinner? Look no further! This chicken and green bean stir-fry is your answer. Packed with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, it's a perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and easy to make. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes. Homemade cooking doesn't get much simpler or tastier than this!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
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Stir-fry the Vegetables: Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add the green beans and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and remaining marinade from the chicken bowl. Pour this mixture into the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- Fresh ingredients are key: Using fresh green beans and bell peppers will give you the best flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Make it a noodle dish: Serve this stir-fry over your favorite noodles instead of rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size. It's generally a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This chicken and green bean stir-fry is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. Enjoy this easy recipe and make it your own! It's sure to become one of your best recipes.