Chicken with Peanuts and Green Beans

I couldn't wait to try this dish. Yet another winner from my SHAPE Lowfat and Easy cookbook! (Which by the way is my new favorite cook book.) Chicken with Peanuts and Green Beans is another great meal to toss together when you're in a time crunch, and is packed full of protein.

I loved the peanut-ty taste but was happy to see that the recipe didn't call for too many peanuts or any peanut butter for that matter. The flavor was very robust, but not overpowering at all. If you love starch with your meals, you could even kick this meal up a notch and serve it with rice.

There are not enough words to describe how much I loved this meal. Cooking was quick and easy and it tasted so delicious! The recipe speaks for itself. You've got to try this one. Check out how amazing this close-up looks!


Recipe:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken or turkey breast cut into 2-inch cubes
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup fresh green beans (substitute frozen, if desired; no thawing necessary)
3 tbsp water
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
1/4 cup nonfat chicken broth
1 tbsp soy sauce

1) In a small bowl, mix together chicken, sesame oil, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Coat well and set aside.
2) Place fresh green beans and water in a microwave safe dish. Cook on high for 30 seconds. Remove and drain water. (Skip this step if using frozen green beans.)
3) Heat a large nonstick frying pan (or wok) over medium heat and add olive oil. Add chicken mixture and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes. Add peanuts and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Next, add the green beans and stir-fry for 1 more minute. Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce and cook until liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes.