Recipe: Five Spice Chicken and Green Beans

If you can't tell, I've been all about easy recipes lately. 

Work is INSANE right now, which is great but tiring, and Sloan's is about the same.

Add in still unpacking, his daughter being here for the summer, the insane heat, plus trying to write that silly dissertation, and we've got a lot on our plates.

So when it's time to actually get something on a literal plate, I'm all about fast and easy and good - bonus points if I can take leftovers for lunch the next day.

This recipe ticks all those boxes, and is very budget friendly (and diet friendly if you aren't in a committed relationship with cheese like I am) as well.

Five Spice Chicken and Green Beans

serves 4, or 2 with leftovers for lunch

4-6 chicken thighs or breasts

2 packages frozen green beans

Five spice seasoning (I like this one from Simply Asia)

Garlic powder

Salt

Pepper

Crushed red pepper

Olive oil

1. Heat a large wok or saute pan (I have this wok and LOVE it) over medium high heat, add olive oil to coat the bottom - you may need to add more if the chicken sticks, but this is a good place to start

2. Cut chicken into bit size pieces, then sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and five spice

3. Add chicken to the pan when hot - you want to make sure the pan is very hot before you add the chicken so it gets a sear - and let sear for 1 minute

4. Place frozen green beans in microwave and cook for one minute less than suggested - if it says 6, do it for 5

5. After 1 minute, move chicken around the wok and add crushed red pepper to taste. Continuously move chicken, adding more olive oil if needed

6. When the green beans are done, take them out, drain any liquid, and toss them into the pan, stirring continuously

7. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, and five spice to taste while stirring, then let sit and sear for 1 minute

8. Turn off heat, give one last stir, and serve!

This is great alone, or with rice, and is super filling, healthy, budget friendly, and delicious. 

Enjoy!