Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
If you are craving a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish, this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute must-try. It masterfully combines tender, velvety chicken strips with crisp green beans, all enveloped in a savory sauce that bursts with Asian-inspired notes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that feels special enough for guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts with beautiful colors, satisfying textures, and a mouthwatering aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe relies on simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a vital role, from the velveting process that keeps the chicken juicy to the sauces that give the dish its signature punch.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and easy bites.
- Baking soda: Key to velveting the chicken, locking in moisture and tenderness.
- Cornstarch: Used in both velveting and thickening the sauce for a silky finish.
- Soy sauce: Provides umami richness and depth to both the marinade and sauce.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty fragrance that elevates the entire dish.
- Frozen green beans: Convenient and crisp, offering a vibrant green color and fresh vegetable flavor.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and brightness.
- Oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar: Combine to create a complex sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and savory.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: Perfect garnishes that add texture, visual appeal, and a final burst of flavor.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Velvet the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken the velveting treatment. This classic technique involves mixing the chicken strips with baking soda, cornstarch, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil, then letting it rest. This tenderizes the meat and keeps it juicy during stir-frying. After marinating for 15-20 minutes, rinse the chicken well under cold water and pat it dry. This step is what transforms the chicken from ordinary to melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if you want your sauce to thicken nicely). This combination blends salty, sweet, and tangy notes that perfectly complement the mild chicken and crisp beans.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry them until cooked through and just lightly browned. Cooking the chicken first allows you to set it aside and focus on the vegetables without overcooking the meat, ensuring each bite stays succulent.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet, then toss in the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Sauté until fragrant, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Next, add the frozen green beans and stir-fry until they are heated through but still have a slight bite—that satisfying crunch is key.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet with the beans, then pour your prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors come together in harmony. This final step binds all the elements into one unforgettable dish.
How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These garnishes add a lovely pop of color and texture contrast, along with an extra layer of flavor that makes every forkful exciting.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines on its own but pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice for a wholesome meal. For something lighter, consider serving it alongside cauliflower rice or quinoa to keep things low-carb without sacrificing substance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe over noodle bowls with ramen or rice noodles, tossing it with a squeeze of lime for a fresh zing. You can also pile it into lettuce cups for an interactive and light dinner that’s perfect for warm evenings or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The textures hold up well, so you won’t lose the beloved crispness of the green beans or the tenderness of the chicken.
Freezing
While the dish freezes okay, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for optimal quality. Upon thawing, the texture of the green beans might soften slightly.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. To bring back some of the dish’s original vibrancy, add a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of sesame oil while warming. Be careful not to overcook during reheating so your stir fry maintains that perfect balance of textures.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully and offer a slightly brighter flavor. Just blanch or steam them briefly before adding to the stir fry to ensure they reach that perfect tender-crisp texture alongside the chicken.
What is velveting, and why is it important for this recipe?
Velveting is a technique where chicken is marinated with baking soda and cornstarch to tenderize and protect the meat during cooking. It ensures the chicken remains juicy and silky, which is especially important in quick-cooking stir fry dishes like this one.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can try thinly sliced beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is mild and balanced in flavor. If you love spice, feel free to add red chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a dash of chili garlic sauce during the stir-fry step for an extra kick.
How can I make the sauce thicker if needed?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, make sure to add cornstarch mixed with a little cold water (a slurry) as directed in the recipe. Stir well and cook for a minute until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors. I encourage you to give it a try soon; it’s a fantastic way to brighten your weeknight dinners and impress everyone with minimal effort. Once you taste that tender chicken coated in a luscious, savory sauce along with crisp green beans, this recipe might just become your new go-to favorite.
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Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry recipe offers a deliciously crisp and flavorful meal, combining tender velveted chicken with vibrant green beans in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, it balances textures and bold flavors including garlic, ginger, soy, and sesame.
Ingredients
For Velveting the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 1 pound frozen green beans
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Velvet Chicken: In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with baking soda, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and marinate for 15-20 minutes. After marinating, rinse the chicken under cold water to remove excess baking soda, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch if using. Set this sauce mixture aside for later.
- Stir-fry Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they are cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the frozen green beans and continue stir-frying until the beans are heated through and slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish the stir fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles as desired.
Notes
- Velveting the chicken with baking soda tenderizes the meat and gives it a silky texture.
- Rinsing the chicken after marinating removes excess baking soda taste and prevents a soapy flavor.
- Frozen green beans are convenient and work well, but fresh green beans can also be used if preferred.
- Cornstarch in the sauce is optional, but helps thicken the stir fry sauce for better coating.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to taste for more or less pungency.
- This recipe can be served over steamed rice, noodles, or as a standalone low-carb dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
