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Honey Garlic Chicken With Green Beans - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Skillet Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner)
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional but great flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, optional for thicker sauce)
  • 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-size pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps it brown nicely and taste seasoned all the way through.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust—add a splash more soy if you want it saltier or a touch more honey for extra sweetness.
  3. Cook the green beans: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add green beans with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green with some blistered spots and crisp-tender, about 4–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sear the chicken: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then stir and cook until mostly cooked through and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes total.
  5. Add the sauce: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken. Stir to coat and bring to a lively simmer. If you like a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.
  6. Return the green beans: Add the cooked green beans back to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook 1–2 more minutes so the beans are hot and coated in sauce.
  7. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if you like. Serve over hot rice or noodles, spooning extra sauce on top.