Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry
The delightful aroma of sizzling garlic and fresh ginger fills the kitchen as you prepare for a feast that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Imagine crispy, tender green beans mingling with juicy pieces of chicken, all coated in a savory sauce that glistens under the warm glow of your kitchen light. You can almost hear the satisfying crunch of those green beans as you take your first bite. This Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a ticket to flavor town that your family will adore.
Table of Contents
Thinking back to my childhood, I remember those busy weeknights when my parents would whip up a quick stir fry. The sound of the wok sizzling and the smells wafting through the house would bring us all to the table in an instant. It was a family affair, filled with laughter and love. Now, anytime I make this dish, it feels like home all over again. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is a pretty perfect fit. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in less than 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering explosion of tastes.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautiful blend of colors that makes your plate pop — it looks just as good as it tastes!
- Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, meal prep, or impressing guests at your next gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful, these are perfect for stir frying. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Soy sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the dish; look for low-sodium versions if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): This adds depth to your chicken. Don’t have it? Feel free to omit it or use a splash of white wine.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a silky sauce; it can be replaced with arrowroot if needed.
- Neutral oil: Choose an oil like vegetable or canola for stir frying. Avoid olive oil here; its flavor may clash with the dish.
- Green beans: Their crispiness is essential for that classic stir fry texture. Snow peas or broccolini could be fun alternatives.
- Garlic: Freshly sliced garlic makes the aroma irresistible. Use it generously for a flavor boost.
- Grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and spice. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work in a pinch; use less as it’s more potent.
- Scallions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color. Both the white and the green parts are used in this recipe for flavor and garnish.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness to the sauce. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
- Oyster sauce and hoisin: These provide a hint of sweetness; you can swap them out for teriyaki sauce if needed.
- Rice vinegar and honey: Offer a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the dish.
- Toasted sesame oil: A final drizzle gives a nutty flavor — don’t skip it!
How to Make Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine your thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or sherry), and cornstarch. Toss everything well to coat, then let it rest for about 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. This quick marination process will infuse those lovely flavors into the chicken.
Whisk the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together all of your sauce ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside. This simple mixture packs a flavor punch!
Cook the Green Beans: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the green beans to the skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, until they are blistered and bright green but still tender, about 6 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside. You want to keep that vibrant color!
Brown the Chicken: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons more oil. Spread the marinated chicken in an even layer and avoid stirring for the first 4 minutes to allow it to get some nice browning. After that, stir occasionally until the chicken is just cooked through, about 3 to 4 additional minutes. Once it’s done, transfer this to a plate as well. Your chicken should be golden and emanating deliciousness.
Saute Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly and add the sliced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the scallions to the pan. Cook for about 30 to 45 seconds, just until fragrant and lightly golden around the edges. These aromatics are the soul of your stir fry!
Combine & Sauce It Up: Return the cooked green beans and chicken to the pan. Give the sauce a good whisk again since the cornstarch tends to settle. Pour the sauce over the chicken and green beans, cooking and tossing everything together until the sauce thickens and coats your ingredients, about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when everything is beautifully glazed!
Serve & Garnish: Spoon your enticing stir fry over steamed rice. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and the dark green parts of the scallions. This adds a lovely finish and a bit of crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Once your stir fry has cooled down, you can store it at room temperature for about an hour. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or on the stovetop over medium heat. Just a heads up: the green beans may lose some crunch, so a quick toss in the skillet with a splash of water can help refresh the texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid moisture: Make sure your green beans are dry before stir-frying to achieve that perfect crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd: If your skillet is too full, the chicken won’t brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Prepping ahead: You can slice the veggies and chicken in advance, making dinner time a breeze.
- Taste test: Adjust the sauce before combining with the chicken and veggies to tailor it to your family’s taste.
- Texture matters: If the stir fry becomes too soggy, try adding a bit more cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up quickly.
Every bite of this Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a reminder of how wholesome and flavorful home-cooked meals can be! It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet that brings joy to the table. You’re bound to impress family or friends when you whip this up, and who knows? This may become your new favorite go-to dinner.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Stir frying is very flexible. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or even snap peas. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly since different veggies may need more or less time to cook.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This stir fry stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow the storing instructions above and portion it into containers to have delicious meals ready to go for busy days.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Of course! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and ginger. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
What can I serve with green bean chicken stir fry?
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it over noodles or quinoa for a different twist. Don’t forget to add some picked vegetables for extra crunch!
More Dinner Recipes
- Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Veggies
- Leftover Fried Rice, Veggies and Eggs
- Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- Crockpot Taco Casserole
- Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast
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📖 Recipe Card
Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry offers an irresistible blend of tender chicken and crispy green beans coated in a savory sauce, making it a quick and delicious meal option for any night.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Soy sauce
- Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- Cornstarch
- Neutral oil
- Green beans
- Garlic
- Grated fresh ginger
- Scallions
- Chicken broth
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin
- Rice vinegar
- Honey
- Toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Cook green beans in oil until blistered, then set aside.
- Brown the chicken in oil until cooked through, then set aside.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and scallion whites until fragrant.
- Combine chicken and green beans in the pan, add sauce, and cook until thickened.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and scallion greens.
Notes
Make it gluten-free using tamari instead of soy sauce.
For a leaner option, substitute with chicken breast.
Feel free to use other crisp vegetables like snow peas or broccolini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
