If you are searching for a dish that’s packed with vibrant flavors, delightful textures, and a quick cooking time, this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Perfectly tender chicken strips meet crisp-tender green beans, all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that brings out the best in every bite. This recipe is not only tasty but also a fantastic weeknight dinner solution that feels like a special treat without any fuss. Trust me, once you master this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals for a nourishing and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Each item plays a role, from the velveting mix that keeps the chicken incredibly tender to the savory sauces that deliver that unmistakable stir-fry punch.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thin strips make cooking quick and ensure every bite is tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps velvet the chicken, creating a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used in the velveting mix and optional in the sauce for thickening – key for a perfect coating.
- 1 tablespoon water: Completes the chicken marinade for velveting.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds that essential umami depth in both the velveting and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Used in the marinade for rich, nutty flavor and later for stir-frying.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided): Essential for layering stir-fry flavor and achieving that fragrant finish.
- 1 pound frozen green beans: Convenient and crisp, perfect for a bright, fresh vegetable element.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish a punchy aromatic base.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds zesty warmth and brightness.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The backbone of the stir-fry sauce, balancing salty and savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds complexity with its sweet and tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides brightness and helps balance the sauces.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to every morsel.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Fresh and colorful, these add crunch and a mild oniony bite.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Velvet the Chicken
Velveting is a brilliant technique that makes your chicken unbelievably tender and silky. Begin by combining the sliced chicken breasts with baking soda, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to marinate. Then rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. This step transforms your chicken into a juicy, tender star of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch if you want your sauce thickened just right. This mix is the heart of your stir-fry, packing in savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that perfectly complement the chicken and green beans.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat in a skillet or wok. Add the velvetted chicken strips and cook them until they turn lightly browned and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for the next stage. This step locks in that beautiful texture and flavor developed during velveting.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until they become fragrant and golden, releasing their beautiful aromas. Then toss in the frozen green beans and stir-fry until they’re heated through and slightly tender but still crisp. This gives the dish a fresh, bright crunch that contrasts wonderfully against the tender chicken.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients. This final step brings all the flavors together in one savory, glossy, irresistible medley ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and crunchy sesame seeds sprinkled on top add the perfect finishing touches. They bring a pop of color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish feel complete and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or noodles for a fun twist that still feels comforting and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. Or plate it over a bed of soba noodles with a sprinkle of toasted peanuts for an added crunch and Asian-inspired flair. These small shifts take your meal from everyday to something exciting and visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in bulk. Place cooled chicken and green bean stir fry in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken tender and the green beans crisp. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but stirring halfway helps evenly heat the dish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans add a wonderful crunch and brightness. Just blanch or steam them briefly before stir-frying to ensure they stay crisp-tender.
What is velveting and why should I velvet the chicken?
Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique that tenderizes meat by marinating it with baking soda and cornstarch. It prevents the chicken from drying out and gives it a silky smooth texture you’ll love.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and keep the velveting step if using tofu for extra tenderness.
Is it necessary to use oyster and hoisin sauces?
These sauces add distinct depth and a slightly sweet, savory richness to the dish. If you’re allergic or prefer alternatives, soy sauce mixed with a dash of maple syrup can work, though it won’t be quite the same flavor profile.
How spicy is this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on umami and savory tastes. If you love a spicy kick, you can always add some chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers during the stir-fry step.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting every time you make it. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but deliciously impressive enough to share with friends or family. The combination of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and that luscious sauce truly hits all the right notes. Give this recipe a whirl—you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it in your kitchen rotation!
Print
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 recipe offers a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired meal featuring tender velvetted chicken strips combined with crisp green beans in a savory sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this stir-fry balances the earthiness of green beans with the robust taste of garlic, ginger, and a combination of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it makes for an appetizing and wholesome dish.
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 breast with baking soda, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to tenderize the chicken for a silky texture. Then rinse the chicken under cold water to remove excess baking soda, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using). This sauce will provide a rich, balanced flavor with a slight thickness to coat the stir fry ingredients.
- Stir-fry Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the velvetted chicken pieces and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Then add the frozen green beans and stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes until they are heated through and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and continue to stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish the stir fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Velveting the chicken with baking soda and cornstarch ensures a tender and silky texture.
- If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them briefly before stir-frying.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Add chili flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
