Introduction
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp green beans in a savory stir-fry sauce. This versatile meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. Bursting with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this stir-fry is an easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.
The chicken is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, while the green beans stay crisp and vibrant. The stir-fry sauce, made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, adds a rich umami flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or on its own, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables in every bite.
What makes this stir fry so great is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize it by adding in other vegetables or adjusting the sauce to suit your taste. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a last-minute dinner, and is sure to become a family favorite. With its delicious, savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is the perfect combination of taste and convenience!
Perfect for:
- Quick and healthy weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Low-carb and high-protein meals
- Asian-inspired dinner nights
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich green beans.
- Flavorful Sauce: A savory combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein, Vitamin C, Fiber
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir Fry:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Ingredient Highlights
- Green Beans: Crisp and vibrant, adding freshness and a slight crunch.
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein, but chicken thighs work as a juicier alternative.
- Savory Sauce: A perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry:
Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Cook the Green Beans:
- Blanch the Beans (Optional): If you prefer softer green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Beans: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add green beans and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Sear the Chicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Combine and Finish:
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sauce: Return the green beans and chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Simmer: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish: Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired.
How to Serve
Here’s how to enjoy your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry:
- With Rice: Pair with jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice for a classic meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- With Noodles: Toss with cooked noodles like lo mein or rice noodles for a complete dish.
- On Its Own: Enjoy as a standalone meal for a light and nutritious dinner.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to perfect your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry:
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. This will add more depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans will provide a better texture and flavor compared to frozen beans. Snap off the ends before cooking for a cleaner presentation.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like a spicy kick, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes when stir-frying. Adjust the heat level based on your preference.
- Add Bell Peppers: For a pop of color and added sweetness, include red or yellow bell peppers in the stir fry.
- Use a Wok: A wok allows for even heat distribution, making it easier to get that authentic stir-fry texture. If you don’t have one, a large skillet can work as well.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can cause the ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry, making them soggy.
- Add Aromatics: Boost the flavor by adding aromatics like shallots, garlic, or ginger to the stir fry. These ingredients infuse the oil and flavor the dish.
- Finish with a Splash of Lime or Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that balances the savory and salty elements of the dish.
- Incorporate a Protein Substitute: If you want to vary the recipe, substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust cooking times based on the protein chosen.
- Serve Over Rice or Noodles: This stir fry is great on its own, but for a complete meal, serve it over steamed rice or noodles. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Recipe Variations
Try these fun variations of Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry:
- Spicy Szechuan Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Add Szechuan peppercorns, chili paste, and soy sauce to create a bold, spicy stir fry. Top with sesame seeds and scallions for extra flavor. - Lemon Garlic Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of honey. Stir-fry with green beans, adding fresh lemon zest for a zesty twist. - Thai Basil Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Incorporate Thai basil, fish sauce, and a splash of lime juice for a fresh, herbaceous flavor. You can also add sliced chili peppers for heat. - Teriyaki Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Replace the usual stir fry sauce with a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce. Add a dash of ginger and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. - Honey Mustard Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of soy sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze. Stir-fry the chicken and green beans with this sauce for a unique flavor profile. - Peanut Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Make a peanut sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, and a little lime juice. Stir-fry with chicken and green beans, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for crunch. - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Stir-fry the chicken and green beans in olive oil, then toss them with garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory taste. - Coconut Curry Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Add coconut milk and curry powder to the stir fry, giving it a rich, aromatic flavor. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra texture. - Balsamic Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic before stir-frying it with green beans. The balsamic adds a sweet, tangy depth to the dish. - Chipotle Lime Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor, and add lime juice and zest for brightness. This version has a nice balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Special Equipment
Here are some tools that will help you prepare Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry:
- Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for quick and even cooking.
- Tongs or Spatula: For easy flipping and stirring.
- Garlic Press: Makes mincing garlic fast and effortless.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, thaw and pat them dry before stir-frying to avoid excess water. - What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Substitute with hoisin sauce or an additional tablespoon of soy sauce. - Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly spicy if red pepper flakes are used. Omit them for a completely mild flavor. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. - What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Use oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Conclusion
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a quick, wholesome, and utterly delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a reliable and satisfying choice that’s both nutritious and flavorful. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see how this easy stir-fry becomes a new favorite! Don’t forget to snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me—I’d love to see your creation.