Get ready to fall in love with the Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry! This vibrant, flavor-packed dish brings tender strips of chicken and crisp green beans together in a glossy, savory sauce that perfectly coats every bite. It’s one of those meals that’s a total relief on busy weeknights: fast, healthy, and far more delicious than takeout. You’ll be amazed by the symphony of flavors coming from ginger, garlic, and that magical trio of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauce. Every time I whip up this stir fry, it’s a near guarantee that there won’t be any leftovers—everyone goes back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry lies in its simplicity but don’t be fooled—each ingredient plays a starring role. These staples come together to create bold flavors, contrasting textures, and irresistible color on the plate.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless cuts for quick cooking and juicy, tender pieces that soak up the marinade.
- Soy sauce: This classic brings deep, salty umami that forms the flavor backbone of your stir fry.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet complexity and luscious consistency to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Just a tablespoon gives a sweet-savory kick and shiny finish to the whole dish.
- Sesame oil: A few drops go a long way for toasty aroma and nutty undertones.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral-flavored oil is perfect for high-heat stir frying and won’t overpower your other flavors.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to beautifully tender chicken and that glossy, thickened sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a gentle heat and incredible fragrance to the pan.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses everything with robust, mouthwatering flavor.
- Fresh green beans: These stay perfectly crisp-tender and soak up all that savory sauce—don’t skip them!
- Water: Keeps your sauce the right consistency and deglazes the pan.
- Green onions: An optional garnish that adds color, freshness, and mild bite at the end.
- Salt and pepper: A pinch is all you need to round out the flavors just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken breasts with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a dash of black pepper in a medium bowl. This little marination time (just ten minutes!) is a game changer—the cornstarch locks in moisture so every piece stays incredibly tender, while the soy sauce delivers a deep, savory base layer.
Step 2: Make the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of water. Give this mixture a good stir until smooth. This zesty sauce is the soul of the Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry and will transform every ingredient with richness and shine.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, letting it sizzle undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring. As the chicken cooks for four to five minutes, it’ll develop those golden brown edges that taste so amazing. Once cooked through, transfer it to a plate—don’t worry, it will come back for an encore!
Step 4: Stir Fry the Green Beans
Add the remaining oil to the skillet, toss in your trimmed, halved green beans, and stir fry for three to four minutes. You’re looking for beans that brighten to a vivid green and are just fork-tender, keeping some crunch for that irresistible texture.
Step 5: Fragrant Garlic and Ginger
Push the green beans to the side and quickly stir in the ginger and garlic. Within a minute your kitchen will smell incredible—the ginger offers gentle heat, while garlic brings sweetness and depth.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, pour in your whisked sauce, and give everything a thorough toss. Cook for another two to three minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes every piece with that gorgeous sheen. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions is all you need for a pop of freshness. For extra crunch, you can also scatter toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple additions take the Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry over the top visually and flavor-wise!
Side Dishes
Classic steamed white rice is my favorite pairing—each grain soaks up that rich sauce perfectly. You can also serve it with fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice for a heartier meal, or even wide rice noodles. If you’re craving an even bigger veggie boost, try it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry into lettuce cups for a party appetizer, serve it inside a big shallow bowl with a nest of noodles, or top with a perfectly fried egg for an extra layer of richness. Family-style in the center of the table is always a hit—let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch downright irresistible. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing and storing.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze stir fry for busy weeknight emergencies. Let it cool, portion into airtight freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic swap and will make your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry extra juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to slice them thin so they cook quickly.
What vegetables can I add to this stir fry?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots for more color and crunch. Just add heartier veggies first so everything cooks evenly.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tamari in place of regular soy sauce and double-check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free. You’ll have the same irresistible dinner in no time!
How do I make the stir fry spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or squirt in a dash of sriracha to the sauce before cooking. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference for the perfect level of heat.
Can I double the recipe without any issues?
Definitely! Just be sure to use your largest skillet or wok, and consider browning the chicken and cooking the green beans in batches so everything still gets beautifully seared and not steamed.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry has completely transformed the way I approach busy weeknight meals. It’s quick, wholesome, and seriously packed with flavor—not to mention a crowd-pleaser every single time. Give it a try and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a regular dinner in your house too!
Print
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry recipe that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken and crisp green beans stir-fried in a savory sauce, served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stir Fry:
- 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Stir Fry the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add green beans and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and green beans. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions if using, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
