Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

A Tasty Family-Friendly Delight

Are you looking for a quick, vibrant dish that makes weeknight dinners exciting? Let me introduce you to Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry! This dish is the perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a flavorful sauce that brings everything together. It’s an incredibly simple recipe that whips up in a flash and will have your family coming back for seconds! Did you know stir-frying is not just a cooking method but an art that originated in China? This technique ensures that vegetables retain their vibrant colors and crunch, making every bite a delightful experience.

This dish is wonderfully similar to my beloved Chicken Teriyaki recipe, also a crowd-pleaser that’s equally easy to make. Just like Teriyaki, this stir-fry is about quick cooking but brings a different flavor profile that you’ll love exploring. So, if you’re ready for a flavor adventure, grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!

What is Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry?

So, what’s in a name? Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry might sound like a straightforward dish, but don’t let the title fool you! The magic lies in the "stir-fry" part, which sounds technical but is simply a fun way to say you’re tossing and cooking everything together quickly. Isn’t it comforting to know that “stir-fry” doesn’t mean you need to be a Michelin-star chef to make a flavorful meal? It’s like saying the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but in this case, it’s also through his taste buds! So, let’s stir our way into happiness and create this delicious dish that’s sure to please everyone’s palate.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

1. Flavor Explosion: The standout feature of Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is the explosion of flavors. The golden-brown chicken combined with fresh, crunch green beans and a savory sauce is a taste sensation you’ll crave again and again!

2. Cost-Effective: Making this dish at home not only saves your pocket from takeout bills but also gives you the satisfaction of creating a delectable meal from scratch. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use what you have in the fridge!

3. Customizable and Fresh: The beauty of this stir-fry lies in the ability to customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand. From bell peppers to carrots, you can mix and match according to your family’s favorites.

If you enjoy this dish, make sure to check out my Chicken Fajitas recipe, another quick-to-make meal bursting with flavors and healthy ingredients!

How to Make Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

Quick Overview

This Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is a culinary masterpiece that takes less than 30 minutes to make, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners! With tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a zesty sauce, it’s everything delicious and satisfying on a plate.

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. This will help the chicken cook quickly. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and cornstarch.

2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips in a single layer; don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them and set aside.

4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add the Green Beans: Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.

6. Combine and Sauce It Up: Return the chicken to the pan. Drizzle in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine everything. Allow it to cook together for another minute or two.

7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

What to Serve Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry With

To make your meal even more delightful, serve this stir-fry with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or soft egg noodles that soak up the delicious sauce. You can also consider pairing it with crispy spring rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad, which adds texture and contrast to your meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

1. Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and slice the chicken ahead of time to make the cooking process a breeze.

2. Don’t Overcook: To keep your green beans vibrant and crunchy, avoid overcooking and stick to a few minutes of sautéing.

3. Add More Flavor: For a spicy kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of chili sauce when cooking your chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to keep it moist. If you want to freeze it, allow it to cool fully before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is not just a dish; it’s a fantastic way to bring the family together around the table for a meal everyone will love. With its vibrant flavors, quick preparation time, and budget-friendly ingredients, it’s perfect for any day of the week! So, gather those ingredients, try it out, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

A quick and vibrant stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a flavorful sauce that makes weeknight dinners exciting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin Sliced thin for quick cooking
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed Ensure beans are tender-crisp
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced For a zesty flavor
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce Base flavor for the sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional) For additional richness
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch To help coat the chicken
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For stir-frying
• to taste salt and pepper For seasoning

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

Cooking

1. Add the chicken strips in a single layer; don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Return the chicken to the pan. Drizzle in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine everything. Allow it to cook together for another minute or two.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For a spicy kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of chili sauce when cooking your chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.