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If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both quick and satisfying, this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is absolutely your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender, perfectly velvetted chicken with crisp, vibrant green beans all tossed in a luscious, savory sauce that hits every note from umami to a hint of tang. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a small crew, this recipe seamlessly brings together simple ingredients for a colorful, hearty meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma. From the tender chicken velveting to the fresh zing of ginger and the rich, glossy sauce, every element shines through perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced strips ensure quick, even cooking and absorb the marinade beautifully.
- Baking soda: Essential for velveting the chicken, this keeps the meat tender and juicy during stir-frying.
- Cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil: These ingredients form the marinade that adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
- Frozen green beans: Convenient and crisp, they maintain their vibrant color and fresh taste after stir-frying.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that add warmth and brightness to the dish.
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar: The perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes for a rich and satisfying sauce.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: For a fresh, crunchy garnish that elevates both appearance and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Velvet the Chicken
Start by tenderizing the chicken with a quick velveting technique using baking soda, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This step is a game-changer, making the chicken irresistibly soft despite high-heat stir-frying. After marinating for about 15-20 minutes, give the chicken a quick rinse to remove any residual baking soda, then pat it dry to ensure it sears nicely.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This glossy sauce is what brings that perfect umami-packed punch with a touch of sweetness and acidity. The optional cornstarch helps thicken the sauce nicely, clinging to every bite.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat in your wok or skillet, then cook the chicken strips until they are golden and cooked through. Removing the chicken from the pan now keeps it tender and allows you to focus on cooking the vegetables without overcrowding.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining sesame oil to the pan, then sauté the minced garlic and ginger until they release their irresistible aroma. Toss in the frozen green beans and stir-fry until they are cooked through yet retain a slight snap, bringing bright color and crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan, pour over the prepared sauce, and stir everything together. Keep stirring for a minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and green beans in a beautiful, shiny glaze. This step melds all the flavors in one glorious stir fry moment.
How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These garnishes add a pop of color with a fresh bite and a subtle nutty crunch that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe pairs brilliantly with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple noodle dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving this stir fry over a bed of crunchy noodles for texture contrast, or stuff it into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist. You could even pile it onto steamed buns or flatbreads for a fusion-style meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken remains juicy and the green beans keep their crunch nicely, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes well—just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce and keep everything moist. Avoid using the microwave to maintain the lovely texture of the green beans and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully and add a lovely crunch. Just blanch or steam them briefly before stir-frying if you prefer them a bit softer, or toss directly in if you like a crisp texture.
What if I don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce?
Oyster and hoisin sauce add depth and sweetness, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with a bit of soy sauce mixed with a small pinch of sugar or honey for balance. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
How long does the chicken need to marinate for velveting?
15-20 minutes is perfect for velveting the chicken. This short marinade time tenderizes the meat wonderfully without being cumbersome or time-consuming.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or additional soy sauce. The stir-fried green beans and sauce combination still shines beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe has a savory, umami-forward flavor profile without heat. You can always add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies to spice things up if you like a kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, packed with flavor, and delightfully satisfying, give this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe a try. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss, and once you try it, I bet it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen rotation. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender velveted chicken strips and crisp green beans tossed in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster, hoisin, and rice vinegar. The dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and texture, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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: Combine chicken strips with baking soda, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Marinate for 15-20 minutes to tenderize the meat. Rinse the chicken under cold water afterward and pat dry with paper towels to prepare for stir-frying.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using) until smooth. Set aside to use later in the stir-fry.
- 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 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the frozen green beans and stir-fry until they are heated through and slightly tender, around 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over and continue to stir-fry for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and green beans.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- Velveting the chicken helps to keep it tender and juicy during stir-frying.
- Rinsing the chicken after marinating removes excess baking soda which can affect texture and flavor.
- You can substitute fresh green beans if preferred; just blanch before adding to the stir-fry.
- If you like your sauce thicker, be sure to include the optional cornstarch and mix it well before adding to the pan.
- Adjust the sauces to taste; for a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
