Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
When you need a quick, colorful dinner that tastes like it took ages to make, Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is your answer. This vibrant dish brings together tender strips of chicken, crisp green beans, and an umami-packed sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and light. Whether you’re after a speedy weeknight dinner or aiming to impress with minimal effort, this stir fry delivers big flavor with ease – and it’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry lies in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a starring role, from the savory sauces to the fresh veggies. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick cooking and maximum tenderness; a lean protein that carries the sauce beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Adds that essential salty depth and helps the chicken absorb flavor while marinating.
- Cornstarch: The secret to velvety, restaurant-worthy chicken and just the right thickness for your sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Has a high smoke point, ensuring you get that delicious sear on your chicken and beans without burning.
- Green beans: Crisp, fresh, and vibrant—these add nutritious crunch and gorgeous color.
- Garlic: Brings pungent, aromatic flair that elevates every bite.
- Ginger: Fresh, spicy brightness in every forkful; don’t skip it!
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base for our sauce and keeps things light and moist.
- Oyster sauce: Sweet and savory richness that gives the stir fry true takeout flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: Slathers everything in just the right note of sweetness and spice.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash infuses the whole dish with irresistible nuttiness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like a kick.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Perfect for a pretty, flavorful finish on your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken slices with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Give it 10–15 minutes to marinate—this might seem like a quick pause, but it’s crucial. The marinade gives the chicken deep flavor and the cornstarch helps lock in moisture, so every bite stays juicy and velvety when you stir fry.
Step 2: Stir Fry Green Beans
Heat half of your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and stir fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, letting them blister and get a little tender. This step is your ticket to perfect color and crunch. Once done, scoop them out and set aside for later.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Drizzle in the rest of the oil. Add your marinated chicken to the hot pan and stir fry for another 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces are just cooked through and beautifully browned. The sizzle should make your kitchen smell amazing! Add garlic and ginger, stir for another minute until everything is fragrant—don’t let them burn; you want bold flavor, not bitterness.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pop those green beans right back in with the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and (if you like some heat) crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this silky, savory blend over your stir fry and toss everything together. Let it cook just a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and the beans are tender-crisp. Your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is nearly ready to wow!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, shower your creation with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This takes your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry straight from home-style to restaurant-worthy, adding a pop of color and crunch.
How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Garnishes
Finish your stir fry with a generous scatter of sesame seeds and lots of fresh green onions. These simple toppings build in extra flavor and texture, while making the finished dish look crisp and bright on the plate. A tiny drizzle of extra sesame oil never hurts either!
Side Dishes
The classic pairing is fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up all that lovely sauce. You can also serve your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry over brown rice, jasmine rice, or tender rice noodles for a comforting, complete meal. For extra greens, a crisp Asian cucumber salad is always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the stir fry into lettuce cups for a handheld meal, or toss it with cooked udon or soba noodles for a one-bowl wonder. Want to wow guests? Serve in colorful bowls and top with extra green onions and a slice of lime. Kids especially love it when you chop everything into bite-sized pieces and present in bento boxes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry keeps its flavor and texture wonderfully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors meld and deepen as it rests, making leftovers a serious treat!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions for later, pack your cooled stir fry into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this helps everything heat evenly and preserves texture.
Reheating
Reheat your stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, if needed. Stir often until hot throughout. If you’re short on time, the microwave also works—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the chicken stays tender and the green beans keep their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry and actually add a little more richness. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook quickly and soak up all that savory sauce.
How can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce and hoisin sauce for certified gluten-free versions. Many stores now carry these, so you can enjoy your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry worry-free.
What other vegetables can I use?
This recipe is super versatile—snap peas, broccoli florets, or even thinly sliced bell peppers are all fantastic. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on your veggies, so everything stays crisp-tender.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes! Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is wonderful for meal prep. Just be sure not to overcrowd your pan; stir fry in two batches if needed to keep everything searing, not steaming.
Is this dish spicy?
By default, there’s only a hint of spice from the optional red pepper flakes. You can leave them out for a milder dish, or add extra if you like a real kick!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is truly a weeknight hero—bright, bold, and ready in a flash. Give it a try and watch how easily it becomes a family favorite at your own table!
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Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a savory sauce come together in a delicious stir-fry that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cups green beans (trimmed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir-Fry Green Beans: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet, stir-fry green beans until blistered. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Add remaining oil, stir-fry chicken until browned. Add garlic and ginger.
- Combine Ingredients: Return green beans, add sauce mixture. Cook until thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Substitute green beans with broccoli or snap peas.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
