Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe

This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a quick and healthy dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken and crisp green beans coated in a savory and flavorful sauce, all cooked together in one pan. This recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and a savory sauce creates a delicious and aromatic stir fry that’s packed with umami.
• Healthy and Satisfying: This dish is loaded with vegetables and lean protein, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
• Versatile: Serve this stir fry with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or quinoa. It’s also great for meal prepping or packing for lunch.

this Recipe

Ingredients

For Velveting the Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into thin strips for quick cooking.
• Baking soda: Helps to tenderize the chicken and give it a silky texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light coating on the chicken and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Water: Thins the marinade and helps the cornstarch to adhere to the chicken.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the marinade.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.

For the Stir Fry

• Sesame oil: Used to cook the chicken and vegetables.
• Frozen green beans: Adds a healthy dose of greens and a satisfying crunch.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory kick.
• Fresh ginger: Minced and adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a rich and savory umami flavor to the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy and acidic element to the sauce.
• Cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the sauce.
• Green onions: Sliced and adds a fresh onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
• Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate and Velvet the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breasts with baking soda, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. This process helps to tenderize the chicken and give it a silky texture.

Step 2: Rinse and Prepare the Chicken

After marinating, rinse the chicken under cold water to remove the baking soda. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using) until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and season with a little salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the frozen green beans directly to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and beans, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Velvet the chicken: Velveting the chicken is a key step in achieving that tender and silky texture found in restaurant-style stir-fries. Don’t forget to rinse off the baking soda after marinating!
• Use frozen green beans: Frozen green beans are a convenient option for this recipe, as they cook quickly and maintain a crisp-tender texture.
• Prepare the sauce in advance: Whisking the sauce ingredients together before cooking saves time and ensures that the flavors are well balanced.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or other ingredients in the sauce to your liking.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions: These garnishes add a fresh, crunchy finish that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Serve

This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
• Noodles: Toss the stir fry with your favorite noodles, such as ramen, udon, or soba noodles.
• Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve the stir fry over cooked quinoa.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen? Yes, you can! If using fresh green beans, trim and blanch them before stir-frying to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Can I use a different type of protein? Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even ground meat would be delicious substitutes for chicken.

3. Can I make this recipe without oil? Yes, you can! You can use a small amount of water or broth to stir-fry the vegetables instead of oil.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the stir fry? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as chili garlic sauce, oyster sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and satisfying flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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