Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this delightful dish featuring chicken and vibrant vegetables is sure to impress. With a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, the combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh vegetables makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 2 (12-ounce) bags frozen green beans
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
– ⅓ cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (not seasoned)
– 3 tablespoons sesame oil
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
This recipe seamlessly combines ingredients and flavors for a delightful dish that’s straightforward to make. Perfect for busy evenings or for impressing guests, the careful selection of ingredients ensures a balanced meal that’s nutritious and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful tastes and aromas in your kitchen!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into cubes and place them into a zip-top freezer bag or large bowl.
Make the Marinade
In a small bowl or mason jar, mix together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Marinate the Chicken
Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate while preparing the vegetables and preheating the oven.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Arrange the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the baking sheet, spacing evenly.
Add Vegetables
Add the green beans, onion pieces, and red bell pepper pieces around the chicken.
Pour Remaining Sauce
Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Bake the Dish
Bake for 15 minutes, turning the chicken and vegetables halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Marinating Time
For more flavor, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator is recommended.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas based on personal preference.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in the sauce allows it to absorb flavors, making it more tender and flavorful. Ensure the chicken is coated evenly and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste.
Roasting
Roasting the chicken and vegetables at a high temperature (425°F) helps caramelize the sugars in the brown sugar and vegetables, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Even Cooking
Spacing the chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet allows for even cooking and browning. Turning the chicken and vegetables halfway through the baking process ensures that all sides develop a nice texture.
Toasting Sesame Seeds
Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown.
FAQ
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Just make sure to trim them and adjust the cooking time if necessary to ensure they are tender.
What can I substitute for rice wine vinegar?
You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for rice wine vinegar, though the flavor profile may be slightly different.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sriracha or chili paste to the marinade.
Is there a way to make this dish low-sugar?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute that fits your dietary needs to lower the overall sugar content.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Conclusion
This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The balance of sweet and salty flavors, along with the fragrant sesame oil, elevates this simple recipe to a culinary delight. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the pleasure of eating a wholesome dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Stir-Fry
Blend cubed chicken with a variety of vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots tossed in teriyaki sauce for a quick and healthy meal.
Sheet Pan Shrimp and Veggies
Replace chicken with shrimp, and use zucchini and cherry tomatoes, seasoned similarly to bake everything together for a light seafood option.
Quinoa Bowl
Serve the chicken and green beans over a bed of quinoa for a nutritious grain option, drizzled with additional soy sauce and sesame oil.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Use leftover chicken and veggies, stir-fried with rice, soy sauce, and eggs for a quick fried rice dish.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Green Beans
Transfer the marinated chicken and vegetables to a slow cooker for several hours on low heat for a hands-off cooking method that enhances flavors.
Stuffed Peppers
Use the chicken and vegetable mixture to stuff bell peppers, topped with cheese and baked until the peppers are tender for a hearty meal.
