Name: Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs; Soy Sauce; Shaoxing Wine; Cornstarch; Neutral Oil; Green Beans; Garlic; Fresh Ginger; Scallions; Low-sodium Soy Sauce; Oyster Sauce; Hoisin; Rice Vinegar; Honey; Toasted Sesame Oil; Chicken Broth

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There’s something incredibly inviting about the aroma of sizzling garlic and fresh ginger wafting through your kitchen. Imagine vibrant green beans, perfectly blanched and glossy, mingling with tender strips of chicken, all smothered in a luscious sauce that sparkles with flavor. This Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe captures that very essence, making dinnertime feel like a mini celebration! It not only fills your home with warmth but also creates delightful moments at the dinner table.

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

Growing up, stir fry nights were my family’s favorite. We’d gather around, the clatter of chopsticks in one hand, bowls of steaming rice in the other, and laughter filling the room. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a sweet reminder of those cherished evenings. Perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for weekend gatherings, it’s easy to whip up and guarantees smiles all around. So grab your skillet and let’s create a masterpiece together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey creates an umami explosion that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the green beans, scallions, and chicken make it a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by swapping in tamari for soy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These provide juicy flavor and tenderness. You could substitute with chicken breast if preferred.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium versions for a healthier choice; it enhances the savory aspect of the dish.
Shaoxing Wine: This traditional Chinese rice wine adds depth. If unavailable, dry sherry works great.
Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken and thickens the sauce for a silky finish.
Neutral Oil: Canola or vegetable oil works best here for frying, as it withstands high heat without burning.
Green Beans: Freshness is key; snap peas or broccoli can be swapped in if you’re looking for alternatives.
Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Essential for that aromatic base; use fresh for the best flavor.
Scallions: They add color and a mild onion taste, perfect for garnishing.
Sauce Ingredients: A mix of low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth makes for a flavorful sauce.

How to Make Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken thighs with the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes while you gather all your other ingredients. This step is crucial as it enhances the chicken’s flavor and makes it extra tender.

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. This includes the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Sear the Green Beans: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the trimmed and halved green beans, cooking them while tossing occasionally for about 6 to 7 minutes. They should be blistered and bright green when done. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan. Include the marinated chicken in an even layer, cooking without disturbing it for 4 minutes until browned. Afterward, stir and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to another plate, but don’t wipe out the pan!

Add Aromatics: Lower the heat slightly. Toss in the sliced garlic, ginger, and the white and light green parts of the scallions. Stir for about 30 to 45 seconds until they become fragrant and golden along the edges, filling your kitchen with irresistible scents!

Combine and Sauce Up: Return the chicken and green beans to the pan. Remember to whisk the sauce again as the cornstarch tends to settle. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully, enveloping the chicken and green beans.

Serve and Garnish: Spoon the stir fry over bowls of warm steamed rice. For a finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and the dark green parts of the scallions on top for added flavor and a charming presentation. Now, dig in and enjoy your creation!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you decide to freeze it, keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce. Just keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t overcook the green beans; they should be tender yet still have a slight crunch.
Ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
Feel free to experiment with protein; shrimp would also work wonderfully!
If you’re seeking a bit more spice, toss in some red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and ginger.
Make the sauce ahead of time! Storing it in the fridge can deepen the flavors and save prep time later.

With the enticing flavors and quick cooking time, this Green Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. It brings together fresh ingredients, savory sauces, and delightful textures into one beautiful dish. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with variations — use different vegetables or proteins as inspired!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely! While fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor, frozen green beans can be a convenient option. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the stir fry to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a hearty vegetarian meal. Be sure to press and drain the tofu before cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What should I serve with this stir fry?

Serving this dish over a bed of steamed rice is traditional, but it also pairs wonderfully with quinoa or even noodles for a delightful twist!

How do I customize the flavors?

Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste! If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangier take, incorporate extra rice vinegar or a splash of lime juice right before serving.