Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Stir fry dishes are a lifesaver when you need a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal, and this Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry recipe is no exception. With tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a savory sauce, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Plus, it’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Stir fry recipes are a staple in many households because they are so versatile and quick to make. This Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry is no different. In just 30 minutes, you can have a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a savory stir fry sauce will leave you wanting more. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Trim the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. Set them aside.
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir Frying the Green Beans
- Cook the Green Beans: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the green beans and stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp but still have some bite. Add the garlic, ginger, and sliced onions, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Making the Stir Fry Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and cornstarch (if using) with 1/4 cup of water. This sauce will bring all the ingredients together with a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
Combining the Chicken and Green Beans
- Add Chicken Back to the Pan: Once the green beans are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and green beans. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry
How to Get Crisp Green Beans
For perfectly crisp green beans, make sure not to overcook them. They should still have a bit of crunch after stir frying. You can also blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir frying if you prefer a softer texture.
Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts works well in this dish for a lean protein option, but chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier and more flavorful result.
Variations of the Recipe
Add More Vegetables
This recipe is highly customizable. You can add bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
Use Beef or Tofu Instead of Chicken
If you prefer a different protein, beef or tofu can be swapped in for the chicken. For beef, use thin slices of flank or sirloin, and for tofu, opt for firm or extra-firm tofu that’s been pressed and cubed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Rice
This stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice. The rice helps soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
Serve with Noodles
For a change of pace, try serving the stir fry over noodles like lo mein, udon, or rice noodles. The noodles will also soak up the sauce and add a fun twist to the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
To avoid dry chicken, make sure to sear it on high heat until just cooked through, then remove it from the pan. It will finish cooking when combined with the sauce and green beans.
Using a Sauce That’s Too Thin
If your sauce is too thin, the flavors won’t stick to the chicken and green beans. Using cornstarch is optional, but it will help thicken the sauce to a nice consistency that clings to the ingredients.
FAQs
- Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them before adding them to the stir fry, and they may require a shorter cooking time. - How Do I Make the Stir Fry Spicy?
To add some heat to your stir fry, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha or hot chili oil when making the sauce. - Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this stir fry ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. - What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or simply add extra soy sauce with a touch of sugar. - How Do I Prevent the Chicken from Sticking to the Pan?
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken, and use enough oil to coat the surface. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even browning.
Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Fresh green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts and season with a little salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Combine and Stir Fry: Return the chicken to the skillet along with the blanched green beans. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.