This Honey Lemon Chicken & Green Beans recipe is your answer to those busy weeknights when you want something fresh, light, and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken bites are pan-seared to golden perfection, paired with vibrant green beans, and tossed in a sweet-and-tangy honey lemon sauce that brings brightness to every bite.
It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 25 minutes and packs a punch in flavor and nutrition. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice or quinoa. This dish is a family favorite for good reason—it’s clean, crisp, and utterly crave-worthy.
Full Recipe:
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1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
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3 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
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Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
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Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add green beans and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, then uncover and allow excess water to evaporate.
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While the beans are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and cornstarch slurry.
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Return the chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the honey lemon sauce over and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is well coated.
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Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans: A Perfect Weeknight Meal
If you’re looking for a dinner that combines fresh flavors, is quick to prepare, and delivers a well-balanced meal, Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans is an ideal choice. This dish brings together tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a tangy-sweet sauce that is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with vibrant flavors that are perfect for any night of the week.
The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Zesty
At the heart of this dish lies its delicious honey lemon sauce. The natural sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the acidity of lemon, creating a harmonious balance that coats both the chicken and the green beans. The chicken takes on a rich, golden flavor from the sear, while the green beans retain their crisp-tender texture, giving a nice contrast in both flavor and texture.
The addition of soy sauce in the glaze brings a hint of umami, enriching the sweetness from the honey and the tartness of the lemon. A touch of garlic elevates the overall dish, giving it depth without overpowering the other flavors. This combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy notes makes every bite refreshing and satisfying, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold, yet balanced flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans is more than just a flavorful dish; it’s incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to fit your meal preferences. The balance of protein from the chicken and fiber from the green beans makes it a healthy, well-rounded meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or want something quick and healthy for meal prep, this dish is ideal. It can be made in one pan, reducing cleanup time and making it an easy-to-follow recipe. Additionally, it’s customizable to suit different dietary needs—whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or need a dish that’s friendly to gluten-free diets, this recipe has you covered.
Tips for Perfecting Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans
To achieve the best results, there are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing this dish. Start by making sure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces, which ensures even cooking. Searing the chicken in hot oil will create a beautiful golden crust, enhancing its flavor and texture.
When cooking the green beans, don’t rush the process. Let them steam in the pan briefly to maintain their crisp-tender bite. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can lose their vibrant green color and become mushy.
As for the sauce, make sure to whisk together the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry well. The cornstarch is essential for thickening the sauce, giving it that glossy finish that coats both the chicken and the green beans. If you like your dish a little spicier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it an extra kick.
Health Benefits of Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it also packs in several health benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps support muscle growth and repair. It’s also a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin B6, phosphorus, and niacin.
Green beans are low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making them great for boosting your immune system, supporting healthy skin, and promoting bone health. They also contain fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining a balanced diet.
The honey in this recipe provides natural sweetness, but it also offers a range of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from free radical damage. Lemon is a powerhouse of vitamin C, which helps support immune function and maintain skin health.
Together, this meal creates a healthy and balanced dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.
How to Serve Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans
One of the great things about Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans is its versatility when it comes to serving. You can serve it over a bed of rice to absorb the sweet-and-salty sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great alternative that still offers the texture of rice without the extra carbs.
Alternatively, you can pair this dish with noodles for a more filling meal. A side of roasted sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower would also complement the chicken and green beans perfectly. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, serving this dish alongside a fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, tangy chicken.
For those with dietary preferences, this dish is easily adaptable. If you’re gluten-free, simply ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free, and this dish can be enjoyed without worry. For a dairy-free version, there is no need to make any modifications, as the recipe doesn’t contain dairy.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
If you enjoy preparing meals ahead of time, Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans is a fantastic choice for meal prep. The dish can be made in advance and stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. The chicken stays tender, and the green beans retain their crispness, making it a meal that holds up well to reheating.
Because it’s so easy to prepare, it’s also a great option for those who want to pack healthy lunches for the week. The dish can be made in large batches, and you can customize it by adding different vegetables or switching up the protein. This flexibility allows you to create a variety of meal prep options that keep your weeknight dinners exciting.
Conclusion: A Simple, Flavorful, and Nutritious Dish
Honey Lemon Chicken and Green Beans is the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, flavorful, and quick to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and the zesty honey lemon sauce creates a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs, and it’s just as delicious whether served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own. Plus, with the health benefits from the chicken, green beans, and the natural sweetness of honey, you can feel good about enjoying every bite.
So, whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your regular rotation. Try it out and enjoy a flavorful, nutritious, and easy meal that everyone will love.