Craving a quick, delicious, and healthy weeknight meal? This Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans recipe is your answer! Forget dry, flavorless chicken – we’ve cracked the code for incredibly juicy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sticky glaze. Paired with crisp-tender green beans, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience chicken and green beans like never before!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Glazed Chicken
This isn’t your average chicken dinner! Here’s why this Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans recipe will become a family favorite:
- Juicy Chicken: Our simple technique ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist, even with a sticky glaze.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory glaze is absolutely irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Balanced: A great source of protein and vegetables.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this a winner!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans
Let’s talk ingredients! The magic of this Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans recipe lies in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. We’re aiming for a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Star – The Chicken: You’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. I often choose chicken thighs, as they tend to stay more moist during the cooking process. However, chicken breast is also a great option.
- The Green Goodness: Grab 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed. Fresh green beans are essential for that satisfying crisp-tender bite.
- The Flavor Base:
- The Glaze of Glory:
- The Thickening Agent:
- Garnish:
Crafting Your Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans: Step-by-Step
Ready to create some culinary magic? Don’t be intimidated! This Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans recipe is easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. The key to success lies in properly searing the chicken and letting the residual heat finish the cooking process, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Ensure everything is well combined. Set this aside; this is the flavor bomb that will transform your chicken! The rice vinegar is optional, but a touch of acidity really elevates the glaze.
- Cook the Green Beans: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until tender-crisp. This “blanching” process ensures the green beans retain their vibrant color and a satisfying crunch. Don’t overcook them, as they will become mushy later. Drain the green beans immediately and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: This is the most important step for ensuring juicy chicken! Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is key for getting a good sear. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through. Do not cook it all the way through at this stage. The residual heat from the sauce will finish the job.
- Add the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a tiny bowl to create a slurry. This prevents lumps in the sauce. Re-whisk the main sauce mixture (as the ingredients may have settled), then pour it over the chicken in the skillet. Be careful, as it might splatter a bit.
- Finish Cooking and Glaze: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken quickly and become glossy. Continue to cook, stirring gently, for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the thickened sauce. The residual heat and simmering sauce will gently finish cooking the chicken, keeping it moist. This is where the “sticky” magic happens!
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss gently to coat the beans slightly. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Sticky Glazed Chicken Every Time
Want to take your Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to ensure success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. This will ensure a beautiful sear and prevent the chicken from steaming.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: This is essential for getting a good sear. Moisture is the enemy of browning.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken and adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will always provide the best flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
What to Serve With Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans
This Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Your Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use frozen green beans?
While fresh green beans are preferred for their texture and flavor, frozen green beans can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet.
Can I substitute the soy sauce?
If you are sensitive to soy, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. Keep in mind that these alternatives may have slightly different flavor profiles.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes! Agave nectar or brown sugar can be used in place of honey or maple syrup. Brown sugar will add a slightly molasses-like flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken and that you are using enough oil. A well-seasoned skillet or a non-stick pan will also help.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, carrots, and broccoli are all great additions to this dish. Add them to the skillet along with the green beans.
Enjoy Your Homemade Sticky Glazed Chicken!
There you have it – a simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Sticky Glazed Chicken & Green Beans recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. We’ve banished dry chicken forever! So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!
