Tired of staring into the fridge, wondering what to make that’s both delicious and quick? Imagine tender pieces of chicken and crisp-tender green beans coated in a savory sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes. This Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry recipe is your weeknight savior, promising a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Sliced mushrooms
- Water chestnuts
- Bamboo shoots
Step-by-Step Instructions: The Stir-Fry Journey
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This is crucial for tender chicken!
Stir-Frying the Magic:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside. This is your flavor bomb!
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. Work in batches if necessary.
- Add the green beans and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry until the green beans are crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Tricks for Stir-Fry Success
Making a fantastic stir-fry isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about understanding the *why* behind the steps! Here are a few secrets to elevate your Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry to restaurant quality:
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This helps the ingredients retain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy. Make sure your wok or skillet is nice and hot before adding anything.
- Prep is Everything: “Mise en place,” as the chefs say! Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the stove. Stir-frying happens fast, and you won’t have time to chop veggies while the chicken is burning.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the pan and results in steamed, rather than stir-fried, ingredients. Cook in batches if necessary.
- The Marinade Matters: Don’t skip the marinade! It not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken. The cornstarch in the marinade creates a protective coating that prevents the chicken from drying out during cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spice level of the sauce to your liking. Add more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce, more soy sauce for a saltier sauce, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Green Beans: Fresh green beans are definitely preferable for this recipe, as they have a better texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet to prevent them from steaming.
Variations to Make It Your Own
The beauty of stir-fry is its versatility! You can easily customize this Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or stir in a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce for a fiery kick.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, carrots, or snap peas.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Use Different Protein: While this recipe features chicken, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews over the stir-fry for added crunch and flavor.
What to Serve with Your Stir-Fry Masterpiece
While this Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry is delicious on its own, it’s even better when served with the right accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:
- Rice: Steamed white rice or brown rice are classic choices.
- Noodles: Lo mein noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti work well.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Add some crispy appetizers to your meal.
- Soup: A light and refreshing soup, like miso soup or egg drop soup, is a great way to start your meal.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory stir-fry.
Let’s Talk Turkey Stir Fry Recipes
Did you know you can easily adapt this recipe into Turkey Stir Fry Recipes? Ground turkey or turkey breast cut into small pieces works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken. The key is to ensure the turkey is cooked through thoroughly. Using lean ground turkey can make this an even healthier option! For a fantastic Turkey Stir Fry, simply follow the same steps as the chicken recipe, adjusting cooking times to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll love the versatility!
Chicken Green Beans: A Classic Combo
Chicken Green Beans are a match made in culinary heaven. The tender chicken perfectly complements the crisp-tender green beans, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. This recipe showcases that simple combination beautifully, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding different sauces, spices, or vegetables to create your own unique version of this classic dish.
Exploring Other Stir Fry Recipes Chicken
If you’re a fan of stir-fry, you’re in luck! The possibilities are endless. Besides this fantastic Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry, you might also enjoy Sesame Chicken, Sticky Chicken Bowls or Honey Garlic Chicken. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Stir Fry Recipes Chicken offer a quick and easy way to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time!
For another great recipe, try our Steak And Shrimp Stir-fry. Also, consider our Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake for an easy clean up.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or stir-fry in a skillet with a little bit of oil or broth. The green beans might lose a bit of their crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Enjoy Your Homemade Stir-Fry!
There you have it! A quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry that’s perfect for any weeknight meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking. Happy cooking, my friend!
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh green beans?
While fresh green beans are preferable for better texture, you can use frozen green beans. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet to prevent steaming.
How long can I store leftovers of the Chicken & Green Bean Stir-Fry?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some variations I can make to this recipe?
You can spice it up with red pepper flakes, add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, make it vegetarian by substituting tofu, use different proteins like shrimp or beef, make it low-carb by serving it over cauliflower rice, or add nuts for crunch.
Why is marinating the chicken important?
Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize it. The cornstarch in the marinade creates a protective coating that prevents the chicken from drying out during cooking.
Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry Quick
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the green beans and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry until the green beans are crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.