Name: Delicious String Bean Chicken Stir-Fry Ready in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken Breast (or chicken thighs for richer flavor); 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (just a pinch); 2 cups String Beans (can swap for favorite veggies); 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for stir-frying); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (or light soy sauce); 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce); 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (or low-sodium option); 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (or tapioca starch); 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (optional but recommended); 1/3 cup Water (to steam the string beans)

As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of sizzling chicken and fresh veggies transported me straight to my favorite Asian bistro, right down to the savory notes that danced in the air. Today, I’m excited to share my quick and easy String Bean Chicken recipe, a delightful stir-fry that captures restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet don’t want to sacrifice time or taste. Plus, with the option to substitute your favorite vegetables, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. What’s your favorite veggie to toss in a stir-fry? Let’s get cooking!

Why is String Bean Chicken a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.

Flavor Explosion: The savory brown sauce coats tender chicken and crisp string beans, delivering a taste that rivals your favorite takeout.

Versatile Options: Don’t have string beans? Swap in broccoli or snap peas for a twist that keeps meals exciting!

Healthy Balance: Packed with protein and vitamins, this dish offers a nutritious alternative to greasy fast food.

Quick and Satisfying: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table—making it a family favorite.

With options to adapt, you can enjoy this dish alongside other favorites like Chopped Chicken Bacon or Bang Bang Chicken. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe!

String Bean Chicken Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to whip up this quick, tasty dish!

For the Chicken

Chicken Breast – a lean protein that ensures a satisfying meal, or use chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Baking Soda – enhances the tenderness of the chicken; just a pinch goes a long way.

For the Stir-Fry

String Beans – the star vegetable of this dish; feel free to swap them for your favorite veggies!
Vegetable Oil – a neutral oil that’s perfect for stir-frying at high heat.
Garlic – fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth to your stir-fry.

For the Sauce

Soy Sauce – brings in essential saltiness; substitute with light soy sauce if desired.
Oyster Sauce – imparts a deep umami flavor; vegans can use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce instead.
Chicken Broth – enriches the sauce; low-sodium options can keep it lighter.
Cornstarch – essential for thickening your sauce; tapioca starch works too.
Sesame Oil – a dash adds a nutty flavor enhancement; it’s optional but highly recommended.

For Cooking

Water – provides moisture to steam the string beans; no substitutes necessary.

Now you’re all set with the ingredients for your delightful String Bean Chicken stir-fry! Let’s keep that cooking momentum going!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for String Bean Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a large bowl, combine slices of chicken breast with 3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Mix well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate and the cornstarch to enhance tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients—½ cup of chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, additional dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, a sprinkle of sugar, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Set this flavorful mixture aside, ready to complete your String Bean Chicken with a savory glaze.

Step 3: Cook Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir frequently until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slightly crispy exterior. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Cook Green Beans
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil, along with the string beans and ⅓ cup of water. Toss the beans to coat them in the oil and steam by covering the pan with a lid. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until the beans are vibrant green and tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Pour the prepped stir-fry sauce into the pan with the cooked string beans. Allow it to simmer for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss everything together to ensure the chicken and beans are evenly coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Serve Hot
Remove the pan from the heat and serve your String Bean Chicken hot, garnishing with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Enjoy this delightful stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

Expert Tips for String Bean Chicken

Perfect Marinade Time: Always marinate chicken for 15-20 minutes to achieve the ideal texture; exceeding this can turn the chicken mushy.
Vegetable Tenderness: Ensure string beans are tender before adding sauce; adjust steaming time as needed for optimal crunch.
Well-Heated Pan: Start with a hot pan to give chicken a nice sear and prevent sticking—use a non-stick or well-seasoned wok for best results.
Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that beautiful browning.
Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to swap string beans for other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to keep the flavor fresh and exciting!

Make Ahead Options

These String Bean Chicken stir-fries are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal planning! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it’s packed with flavor right when you need it. Additionally, you can prepare the stir-fry sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to save time on those hectic weeknights. For optimal quality, keep the string beans uncooked until you are ready to finish the dish, as this maintains their crispiness. When it’s time to serve, simply cook the marinated chicken, steam the beans, and combine everything with the prepared sauce for a delightful, quick meal that tastes just like your favorite restaurant!

Storage Tips for String Bean Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover String Bean Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps maintain freshness and flavor while keeping the dish ready for quick meals.
Freezer: To freeze, cool the dish completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Gently heat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Avoiding Loss of Texture: When reheating, be mindful not to overcook the chicken or beans to maintain their original texture.

String Bean Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Dive into the world of flavors and textures by personalizing your String Bean Chicken to match your taste buds!

Broccoli Swap: Replace string beans with broccoli florets for a heartier texture and a vibrant color contrast.
Tofu Option: For a plant-based twist, substitute chicken with firm tofu, ensuring to press it to remove excess moisture first.
Add Heat: Spice things up by adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry for a kick that will awaken your senses.
Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle in roasted peanuts or cashews near the end of cooking for a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
Ring in the Bell Peppers: Slice up some colorful bell peppers and toss them in with the green beans for a sweet, vibrant addition.
Ginger Upgrade: For an aromatic punch, add finely grated ginger to your stir-fry sauce—this will infuse your dish with an unexpected warmth.
Sweet Corn Addition: Introduce sweet corn to balance out the savory flavors; simply toss in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Styles: Serve the dish over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect plate. You might even find inspiration to try out pairing this dish with something like the delicious Street Corn Chicken for a family-friendly feast! Embrace your culinary creativity!

What to Serve with Quick & Easy String Bean Chicken

A delightful stir-fry deserves equally delicious sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy, it absorbs the savory brown sauce perfectly, enhancing each bite of chicken and green beans.
Garlic Fried Rice: Infused with aromatic garlic, it pairs beautifully with the stir-fry and adds an extra layer of flavor to your plate.
Asian Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, this salad offsets the rich flavors of the dish with a tangy crunch that awakens your palate.
Chow Mein Noodles: Thin, stir-fried noodles bring a delightful chewiness and complement the chicken wonderfully, offering a different texture to the meal.
Miso Soup: Light yet flavorful, this warm soup cleanses the palate while adding an authentic Asian touch to your dinner experience.

Enjoy a pairing that includes a sweet ending like Mango Sticky Rice: Creamy coconut rice with ripe mango balances the savory with sweetness—truly a delightful finale!

String Bean Chicken Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best string beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for string beans that are vibrant green, firm, and free from dark spots or blemishes. The ends should snap easily. Fresh beans will offer a delightful crunch in your stir-fry!

How should I store leftover String Bean Chicken?
To maintain freshness, store any leftover String Bean Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it flavorful and ready for a quick meal without losing its delicious taste.

Can I freeze String Bean Chicken for later use?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.

What should I do if my chicken turns out tough?
If you find that your chicken is tough, it may be due to overcooking. To remedy this in future attempts, ensure you marinate the chicken for just 15-20 minutes and cook it over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked but still juicy. Remember, cooking until it’s no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes, is ideal!

Can vegetarians enjoy this recipe?
Very! For a vegetarian option, simply replace the chicken with firm tofu and ensure your sauces are vegan-friendly. Tofu adds a wonderful texture and can absorb the lovely flavors from the stir-fry sauce just as well as chicken would!

Is String Bean Chicken safe for my pets?
While the individual ingredients might not be harmful, it’s best to avoid feeding your pets any human food prepared with garlic or soy sauce, as these can be toxic in larger amounts. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about specific foods for your pets.