Effortless Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

Unlock the secret to an effortless and incredibly flavorful dinner with this **Easy Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry**. Forget greasy takeout and complicated recipes; this dish brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your kitchen in under 20 minutes. Featuring tender, succulent chicken pieces and perfectly crisp green beans, all coated in a rich, savory sauce, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a wholesome meal packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you crave something both satisfying and healthy.

If you’re searching for a go-to meal that perfectly balances protein and vegetables, this chicken and green bean stir fry is a true game-changer. What makes it truly special is how everything comes together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. The green beans emerge from the wok or skillet with that delightful snap and bright color you expect from a great stir-fry – never soggy or bland, but vibrant and infused with flavor. The secret lies in a high-heat cooking method that ensures a beautiful blistered exterior while retaining their satisfying crunch.

Beyond its speed and deliciousness, this recipe shines in its versatility. While boneless chicken breast or thighs are our top recommendations for their ease of cooking and ability to absorb flavor, feel free to experiment with other proteins like thinly sliced pork, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Don’t have green beans on hand? No problem! This adaptable recipe welcomes other vegetables such as crisp broccoli florets, earthy mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, crunchy snow peas, or delicate asparagus spears. The foundational sauce and cooking method are so robust that your stir fry will consistently turn out mouthwateringly delicious, no matter your substitutions.

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

There are countless reasons why this particular stir fry will earn a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation. Here’s what makes it an absolute winner:

• **Effortlessly Quick:** From prep to plate, this meal is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy evenings when time is short but you still want a homemade, satisfying dinner.
• **Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home:** Achieve that authentic, savory, and slightly sweet taste found in your favorite Chinese takeout dishes. The secret is in the perfectly balanced sauce and the ‘velveting’ technique for the chicken.
• **Healthy and Wholesome:** Packed with lean protein from the chicken and essential nutrients from fresh green beans, this dish is a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• **Minimal Cleanup:** Most of the cooking happens in a single pan or wok, meaning less washing up after dinner – a huge bonus!
• **Incredibly Versatile:** Easily swap out proteins or vegetables to suit your preferences or what you have available in your fridge. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity.
• **Perfect Texture Every Time:** Learn how to get juicy, tender chicken and crisp, vibrant green beans, avoiding common stir-fry pitfalls like dry meat or mushy vegetables.

What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients

Crafting this delightful chicken and green bean stir fry requires a selection of fresh ingredients and pantry staples that contribute to its authentic flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather. For precise quantities and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

For the Main Components:

• Chicken: We highly recommend boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean profile and ability to cook quickly. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering a richer flavor and even greater tenderness. Cut your chosen chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans, also known as string beans, are essential here. Look for bright green, firm beans that snap easily. Wash them thoroughly, trim the ends, and halve them for optimal bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Aromatics (Onion, Garlic & Ginger): These are the flavor foundation of any good stir fry. Freshly chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness, while minced garlic and ginger provide that classic aromatic punch that defines Asian cuisine. Don’t skimp on these; their vibrant flavors make all the difference.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a gentle warmth and enhances the overall seasoning.
• Salt: Use sparingly. Most of the savory depth comes from the various sauces. We recommend seasoning the green beans directly during cooking and adjusting the final dish to taste.
• Oil: A neutral, high-smoke-point oil is crucial for stir-frying. Vegetable oil is a great all-rounder, but canola oil, sunflower oil, or even peanut oil (if no allergies) work wonderfully to achieve that characteristic stir-fry searing without burning.

For the Signature Stir Fry Sauce:

The sauce is where the magic truly happens, bringing together all the elements into a cohesive and flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role:

• Light Soy Sauce: This provides the primary salty, umami base without excessively darkening the final sauce. It’s the standard soy sauce used for seasoning.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Used in smaller quantities, dark soy sauce is thicker and less salty than light soy sauce. Its main purpose is to impart a beautiful, deep caramel color to the stir fry and add a more complex, slightly sweeter, and richer umami flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: A cornerstone of many Chinese stir-fries, oyster sauce is thick, deeply savory, and boasts a hint of sweetness. It’s key to achieving that desirable glossy, restaurant-style finish and contributes significantly to the umami depth.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A few drops of this aromatic oil, added at the end, provide a rich, nutty fragrance that elevates the entire dish, giving it that unmistakable Asian aroma.
• Cornstarch: In the sauce, cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables. It also plays a crucial role in the chicken marinade for velveting.
• Water: A splash of water helps to dissolve the cornstarch and thin the sauce to the perfect consistency. For an extra layer of flavor, you can substitute chicken stock or broth.

Essential Equipment for a Perfect Stir Fry

While this recipe is designed to be accessible, having the right tools can make a significant difference in achieving that authentic stir-fry experience:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A traditional wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its sloped sides and ability to distribute heat evenly. However, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan will work perfectly well, provided it has enough surface area to allow ingredients to cook without crowding.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For efficient and safe chopping of chicken, green beans, and aromatics.
• Mixing Bowls: Several bowls will be useful for marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce separately.
• Spatula or Wok Utensil: A sturdy, heat-resistant spatula is essential for tossing and stirring ingredients at high heat.

Instructions Step By Step: Your Guide to Stir Fry Mastery

Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious chicken and green bean stir fry that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese eatery. Remember, speed and high heat are your allies in stir-frying!

1. Marinate the Chicken for Tenderness: Begin by preparing your chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with the light soy sauce for the marinade, a teaspoon of oil, cornstarch, water, a light sprinkle of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated. This crucial “velveting” step tenderizes the chicken and creates a delicate crust, ensuring it remains incredibly juicy during cooking. Set the marinated chicken aside while you move on to the next preparations.

2. Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, a dash of pepper, cornstarch, and water (or chicken stock). Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This pre-mixed sauce is ready to be added at the end, making the final assembly quick and seamless.

3. Perfect the Green Beans: Heat your chosen pan or wok over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot – this intense heat is key to achieving that signature stir-fry crispness. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the cooking surface. Add the trimmed and halved green beans to the hot pan. Stir-fry continuously for 1-2 minutes. You’ll want them to develop a slight char or “blister” on all sides, indicating they’re cooking rapidly and gaining flavor. Sprinkle in a bit of salt while they cook to enhance their natural sweetness. Stir for another minute, then remove them from the pan and set them aside. They’ll finish cooking later.

4. Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Use the same pan for efficiency and to retain any residual flavor. Add the remaining oil to the pan. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, which would steam the chicken instead of searing it. Let the chicken sear undisturbed over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until the bottom side is beautifully golden brown and a light crust has formed. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for approximately 30 seconds more on the other side. Once cooked through and golden, transfer the chicken to a clean bowl, leaving any remaining oil in the pan – it’s packed with flavor and will be used for the aromatics.

5. Sauté the Fragrant Aromatics: In the flavorful oil left in the pan, add the thickly sliced onion. Sauté over medium-high heat for just a few seconds until it starts to soften slightly. Immediately add the minced garlic and ginger. Continue to sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the aromatics become incredibly fragrant and their potent aromas fill your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

6. Unify the Flavors: It’s time to bring all the delicious components together. Return the seared chicken and the perfectly cooked green beans to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Give your pre-mixed sauce a final quick stir (as cornstarch tends to settle) and pour it evenly over all the ingredients in the pan. Stir-fry rapidly for about 30 seconds. Watch as the sauce quickly thickens and beautifully coats every piece of chicken and every green bean, creating a glossy, irresistible finish.

7. Serve Immediately and Enjoy: Your Easy Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry is now complete! For the best experience, serve it hot and fresh directly from the pan. It pairs exquisitely with a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, nutty brown rice, or a tangle of soft noodles, allowing you to fully appreciate the rich sauce and tender ingredients. This dish is designed for instant gratification!

Looking to elevate your meal even further? Complement this vibrant chicken and green bean stir fry with a side of fragrant egg fried rice or a uniquely flavorful curry fried rice for a truly satisfying and well-rounded Asian-inspired feast. A simple clear soup or some crispy spring rolls would also make excellent additions.

Helpful Tips for Stir Fry Success

Achieving a perfect stir fry every time is easy with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your chicken and green bean stir fry is always a triumph:

• Season Green Beans Independently: Green beans don’t readily absorb flavor from the main sauce once added. To prevent them from tasting bland, always add a pinch of salt directly to the green beans while stir-frying them initially. This locks in their flavor and ensures every bite is delicious.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch in the Marinade: This is a crucial step for what’s known as “velveting” chicken, a common Chinese cooking technique. The cornstarch creates a protective barrier, forming a light crust on the chicken that locks in moisture and keeps it incredibly tender and juicy, even when cooked at high heat. It’s what gives takeout chicken its signature velvety texture.
• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast cooks very quickly in a hot wok or pan. Overcooking will lead to dry, tough chicken, diminishing the dish’s appeal. Keep a close eye on it; sear until golden brown on the outside and just cooked through internally, then remove it promptly from the heat.
• Stir the Sauce Before Adding: Cornstarch, a key thickening agent in our stir-fry sauce, has a tendency to settle at the bottom of the bowl. Always give the sauce a quick, thorough stir right before pouring it into the hot pan to ensure it’s well-mixed and will thicken evenly without lumps.
• Blister the Green Beans: Don’t just cook the green beans until they’re tender. Aim for a slight blistering or char on their surface by cooking them over medium-high to high heat. This high-heat searing technique brings out a wonderful toasted flavor and ensures the green beans remain crisp and vibrant, rather than becoming soft or mushy.
• Be Mindful of Salt Content: With ingredients like soy sauce and oyster sauce, your stir-fry sauce already packs a significant savory punch. Therefore, season the chicken lightly during marination and taste the entire dish at the very end before adding any additional salt. It’s easier to add more salt than to fix an overly salty dish.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this classic chicken and green bean stir fry is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some ideas to customize your dish and serve it up with flair:

Customization Ideas:

• Protein Power-Ups: Instead of chicken, try thinly sliced pork tenderloin, beef sirloin or flank steak, succulent shrimp, or firm tofu cubes (pressed and pan-fried separately for crispiness).
• Veggie Swaps: Experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers (any color), snap peas, asparagus, mushrooms, thinly sliced carrots, or baby corn. Add them at the same time as the green beans or slightly later, depending on their desired crispness.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, or a drizzle of chili oil to the stir-fry sauce. Freshly chopped bird’s eye chilies can also be stir-fried with the aromatics.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted cashews, peanuts, or sesame seeds over the finished dish for added texture and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: A garnish of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions adds a bright, fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Rice Pairing: Serve over a generous helping of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or wholesome brown rice.
• Noodle Nirvana: Toss with freshly cooked lo mein noodles, egg noodles, or even rice noodles for a complete noodle dish.
• Low-Carb Options: For a lighter meal, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Appetizer Pairings: Round out your meal with classic Chinese appetizers like spring rolls, potstickers, or a simple hot and sour soup.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh twist, serve the stir fry as a filling for crisp lettuce cups.

Storage and Reheating for Convenience

This chicken and green bean stir fry makes for excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

• Storage: Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your liking.

You May Also Like These Asian-Inspired Recipes

If you enjoyed this easy chicken and green bean stir fry, be sure to explore more of our favorite Asian-inspired dishes that bring authentic flavors to your home kitchen:

• Black Pepper Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)
• Panda Express Copycat Fried Rice
• Honey Garlic Tofu
• Asian Broccoli Stir Fry

Frequently Asked Questions

Tried This Recipe? Share Your Experience!

We absolutely love hearing from you! If you’ve tried making this Easy Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. Your feedback is invaluable, not only to us but also to other readers who are considering trying out the recipe. Your insights help our community grow and discover new favorites!

Recipe Card: Easy Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

Easy Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

This easy chicken and green bean stir fry has everything you’d expect from a good Chinese restaurant dish. Tender, juicy chicken, crisp green beans, and a tasty sauce that ties it all together. It’s simple, quick, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: 20-minute dinner, chicken stir fry, green bean stir fry

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 3

Calories: 281 kcal per serving

Author: Geetanjali

Ingredients

For the Marination

• 250 grams (9 oz) Chicken (boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• ¼ cup water
• Salt (as needed)

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup water (or chicken stock)

Rest of the Dish

• 150 grams (5.3 oz) green beans (trimmed and cut into half)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ medium onion (thickly sliced)
• 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ inch ginger (minced)
• Salt (as needed)

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with light soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, water, a little salt and a pinch of pepper. Mix everything well and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, pepper, cornstarch, and water. Mix well until smooth with no lumps, then set aside.
3. Cook the green beans: Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl the pan to coat the surface. Add the green beans and stir-fry continuously for 1-2 minutes until they’re slightly blistered on all sides. Sprinkle in a bit of salt and stir for another minute. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sear the chicken: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook for about 30 seconds. Once done, leave the oil in the pan (you’ll use it next) and transfer the chicken to a bowl.
5. Sauté aromatics: In the same oil, add the onion and sauté over medium-high heat for a few seconds. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Bring it all together: Add the chicken and green beans back to the pan. Give the sauce a quick stir, pour it in, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds—just until it thickens and everything’s nicely coated.
7. Serve hot: Best enjoyed right away with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• Add salt while cooking the green beans. They won’t absorb much from the sauce later and can end up tasting bland.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch in the marinade. It helps create a light crust on the chicken and keeps it tender while cooking.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. It cooks fast, so keep an eye on it – overcooking can dry it out.
• Give the sauce a quick stir before pouring it in. Cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom, so mixing it again helps keep the sauce smooth.
• Blister the green beans slightly. This brings out a toasty flavor and keeps them crisp, not mushy.
• Go easy on the salt. The sauces already add plenty, so season the chicken lightly and taste at the end before adding more.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 1590mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 354IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition information is a general estimate only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate information, please consult a registered dietitian or use your preferred nutrition calculator.