Name: Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoons neutral oil; 1 pound green beans; 4 garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 3 scallions; Steamed rice for serving; Sesame seeds and extra scallions for garnish; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ cup chicken broth

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When you think of comfort food, the vibrant colors and enticing scents of a delicious stir fry can bring a warm feeling to even the coldest of nights. Each tender piece of chicken is coated in a glossy, savory sauce, complemented by bright green beans, which add that satisfying snap with every bite. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful dinner that you’ll look forward to after a long day.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry

I’ll never forget the first time I made this Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for my family. As the veggies sizzled in the pan, my kids were drawn in, curious about the delicious smells filling the air. It turned into a family affair, everyone gathering around to see how this colorful dish came together. Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight dinner or prepping for a fun gathering, the combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors is sure to impress. Grab your favorite rice and let’s create a meal that sings with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: An easy meal that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The balance of savory soy and honey with fresh ginger truly shines.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Brightly colored, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it any day of the week, or impress guests on special occasions.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Offers rich flavor and tenderness, perfect for stir frying. You could also use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs stay juicier.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: This adds a salty depth of flavor; low-sodium soy sauce is great if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: Adds a nuanced taste; if unavailable, a splash of rice vinegar can work in a pinch.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps to create a velvety coating for the chicken; make sure to use it as instructed for best results.
3 tablespoons neutral oil: Choose canola or sunflower oil for high smoke point, ensuring your stir fry gets that lovely sear without burning.
1 pound green beans: Fresh beans offer a delightful crunch; you could also substitute with snap peas or bell peppers if desired.
4 garlic cloves: Sliced for robust flavor. Fresh garlic truly elevates this dish.
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Provides a warm zest that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
3 scallions: Thinly sliced for a bright, fresh garnish. Use both white and green parts for added flavor.
Steamed rice for serving: Jasmine or basmati rice works nicely as a bed for the stir fry; consider quinoa for a whole grain option.
Sesame seeds and extra scallions for garnish: Use toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness and a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color.
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: To form the base of your delectable sauce without overpowering the dish.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a sweet and savory dimension; feel free to replace it with hoisin for a vegetarian option.
1 tablespoon hoisin: This will give a hint of sweetness to counter the salty elements.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: For a tangy kick that balances everything perfectly.
1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness enhances flavors, but maple syrup is a fine alternative for a vegan option.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds that irresistible nutty flavor; drizzle it on just before serving for maximum impact.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the stir fry sauce to cling beautifully to the chicken and veggies.
½ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter version.

How to Make Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Combine Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, toss your thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), and cornstarch. Allow this mixture to marinate for about 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. The marination process helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat which is essential for achieving that delicious taste.

Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch for the sauce. Mix everything well until it’s smooth—a whisk works great here. This sauce is the heart of your dish, and it’s essential to ensure it’s well-blended before it hits the heat.

Sauté Green Beans: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your prepared green beans. Stir-fry for about 6 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they’re blistered and tender yet still have that wonderful crunch. Set them aside on a plate to keep warm while you work on the chicken.

Brown the Chicken: In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of oil and let it heat up. Spread the marinated chicken in an even layer across the bottom of the pan. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes so that it can brown nicely. Once browned on one side, stir the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and don’t wipe out the pan—those tasty bits left behind add flavor!

Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat slightly and add garlic, ginger, and the white part of the scallions to the pan, letting them simmer until fragrant, which should take about 30-45 seconds. Pay attention here! You want the garlic just golden, as it can burn easily, which would overpower all those delightful tastes.

Combine and Sauce It Up: Return the cooked green beans and chicken to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Give the sauce another quick whisk (cornstarch tends to settle), then pour it into the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all your ingredients for about 1 to 2 minutes. The combination of colors and scents will be absolutely enticing.

Serve and Enjoy: Scoop your delicious stir fry over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and the dark green parts of the scallions. The finishing touches really bring this dish to life. Take a moment to appreciate how beautiful it looks before diving in—trust me, it’s hard not to go back for seconds!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but refrigerate for longer storage, ideally consuming it within 3–4 days. If freezer-friendly, it can last up to 3 months in a suitable container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes should bring it back to life. Keep in mind that while the essential flavors will still be there, the texture of the green beans might soften a bit upon reheating. Refresh it with a splash of water or a drizzle of fresh oil if needed!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken; this allows better browning and ensures it cooks evenly.
Use fresh green beans for more crunch—if you opt for frozen, be sure to sauté them until they’re heated through but not mushy.
If you find the sauce too thick, just add a little more chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
Consider making the chicken and veggies separately if you are prepping ahead to keep everything crisp!
A splash of lime juice stirred in just before serving can brighten the flavor even more.
Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have; bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can all be delicious additions.

Using seasonal ingredients keeps this dish dynamic, so don’t hesitate to experiment with whatever your local market has on offer. You’ll never run out of new combinations to try!

When you savor this Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, you’ll not only enjoy the beautiful colors on your plate but also the simple, hearty goodness it brings to the table. From busy weeknights to cozy gatherings, this dish can be your go-to, one that invites the whole family to indulge in flavorful comfort. So grab those ingredients, and let’s make some memories together over a steaming bowl of this delightful stir fry!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great alternative; just be sure to slice them thinly to ensure even cooking. They may cook slightly faster than thighs, so keep an eye on them to prevent dryness.

What other vegetables can I add to this stir fry?

The great thing about stir fries is their versatility! Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Simply press and cube the tofu, and prepare it the same way as the chicken, adjusting the cooking times slightly for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure that your oyster sauce is also gluten-free, as many brands offer suitable alternatives. Enjoy without fear of gluten!