The sizzle hits the pan, a fragrant cloud of garlic and ginger billowing up – that’s the unmistakable promise of a delicious stir fry in the making. On those evenings when time is short but cravings for something utterly satisfying are high, this Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry recipe is my trusted ally.
It’s more than just a quick meal; it’s a vibrant bowl of crisp-tender green beans and succulent chicken, all coated in a deeply savory and slightly sweet sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish has become a weeknight staple in my home, not just for its incredible flavor but for its sheer simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero, even on the busiest of days.
We often pair this Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry with fluffy rice, letting every grain soak up that irresistible sauce. It’s a complete, wholesome meal that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just finding your footing in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, delivering a restaurant-quality experience without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, honey, hoisin, ginger, and a touch of red pepper creates a sauce that’s perfectly balanced – savory, sweet, with a gentle kick that complements the Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry beautifully.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes! This makes it an absolute lifesaver for hectic weeknights when you need a nutritious meal fast.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, swap veggies, or use a different protein. It’s a versatile base for your culinary creativity.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, which is always a win, especially when making a Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for planning lunches or dinners ahead.
This recipe is perfect for busy families craving a healthy and delicious dinner, for anyone looking to master a quick and impressive stir fry, and for those who love a good one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup.
Ingredients for Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this amazing Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry:
Core Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips: Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful for stir-fries. Cut them against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (for chicken): This creates a light coating on the chicken, helping it to brown nicely and protecting it from overcooking, resulting in more tender pieces.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The savory backbone of our sauce. Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- 3 Tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the soy sauce and a lovely glaze.
- 2 Tablespoons EACH rice vinegar & hoisin: Rice vinegar provides a gentle tang, while hoisin sauce adds a complex, sweet, and savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a warm, aromatic spice. Freshly grated ginger can also be used (about 1 tablespoon).
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your preferred level of heat. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for sauce): This will thicken the sauce beautifully, ensuring it coats every piece of chicken and green bean.
- 3 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided: This oil has a distinctive nutty flavor that is quintessential to many Asian dishes. We’ll use it for cooking and for a finishing drizzle.
- 1 pound frozen green beans: Convenient and cook quickly right from frozen. No need to thaw!
- 5-6 scallions, whites & greens separated: The whites provide a mild onion flavor during cooking, while the greens are perfect for a fresh garnish.
- 8 cloves garlic, finely minced: A generous amount for a robust, aromatic flavor base for your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
Substitutions and Tips
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used, but be careful not to overcook it. Slice it thinly. Tofu or shrimp would also be delicious protein alternatives in your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute. Coconut aminos can also work for a soy-free option, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives, though they will subtly change the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Hoisin: If you don’t have hoisin, you can try a bit more soy sauce and honey, though the unique flavor of hoisin will be missed.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans work perfectly too; just trim them and cook until crisp-tender. Broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or snap peas are excellent vegetable additions or substitutions.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: While it adds a signature flavor, if you don’t have it, you can use a neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil for stir-frying.
- Spice Level: For more heat, add a dash of sriracha to the sauce or include a thinly sliced fresh chili with the garlic. For less heat, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
- Chef Insight: Always prepare your sauce ingredients in a small bowl before you start cooking. Stir-fries come together quickly, so having everything measured and ready (“mise en place”) is key to success, especially for a Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
Best Type of Chicken to Use
For this Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry, I wholeheartedly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thigh meat is inherently more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breast. It contains a bit more fat, which translates to juicier, more tender results, especially in a quick-cooking method like stir-frying where chicken breast can easily become dry. Cut the thighs into thin, uniform strips against the grain; this shortens the muscle fibers, making the chicken even more tender.
If you prefer to use chicken breast, that’s perfectly fine! Just be extra vigilant about not overcooking it. Slice it thinly and consider marinating it for an extra 10-15 minutes in a little soy sauce and cornstarch to help keep it moist. The key is to cook it quickly over high heat until just cooked through.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
- Large Skillet or Wok: A 12-inch skillet or a flat-bottomed wok is ideal for making Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry. You need enough surface area to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken and aromatics.
- Mixing Bowls: One small bowl for the sauce ingredients and a medium one for tossing the chicken with cornstarch.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Whisk
- Cooking Spoon or Spatula
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Garlic Press
- Spider Strainer or Slotted Spoon
- Instant-Read Thermometer
How to Make Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry
This Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry comes together in a flash, so make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start heating your pan!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken thigh strips with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside. This little step is key for getting that lovely, slightly crisp exterior on the chicken and keeping it tender.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1.5 tablespoons of the toasted sesame oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Green Beans
Add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil to the skillet. Add the frozen green beans and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 4-6 minutes, or until the green beans are bright green and crisp-tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Re-whisk the sauce and pour it over everything. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in the green parts of the scallions. Serve your delicious Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is crucial. Cook in batches if necessary for your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Ensure your oil is shimmering hot before adding ingredients.
- Mise en Place is Key: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
- Taste and Adjust Sauce: Before adding the sauce, taste it. Remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables.
How to Store Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry
Proper storage ensures your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry stays delicious!
Room Temperature
- It’s best not to leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
In the Refrigerator
- Allow the Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
Freezing Tips
- Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen for this Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully. Just trim the ends and cut them to your desired length. They might need an extra minute or two of cooking time to reach that perfect crisp-tender stage for your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
What can I serve with Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry?
This dish is fantastic served over fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice. Asian noodles like lo mein or ramen would also be delicious companions to soak up the amazing sauce of your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.
How do I make this Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Also, ensure your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish. With its tender chicken, crisp green beans, and an irresistible sauce, this recipe is a true winner. For a reliable, delicious, and easy meal, this Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry delivers every single time, making it a go-to in my kitchen, and hopefully, in yours too.
