Chicken and Green Beans . This stir-fry dish brings together tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a savory sauce that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it combines high-protein chicken with a variety of essential vitamins from green beans, making it a balanced and wholesome meal.
This recipe is inspired by the classic Chinese stir-fry dishes, where vegetables and protein come together in a hot, sizzling wok. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this chicken and green beans stir-fry is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breast: 1 lb, sliced into thin strips
- Green beans: 2 cups, trimmed and washed
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional but adds great depth of flavor)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (to coat chicken for a crispy texture)
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon (for added aroma and flavor)
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a bit of spice
- Green onions: 2-3 stalks, chopped, for garnish
Instructions: How to Make Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious stir fry:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized strips. Then, trim the green beans, cutting off the ends and washing them thoroughly. Mince the garlic and ginger, as well as the green onions for garnish.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to give the chicken a crispy texture when stir-fried.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Green Beans
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the green beans and stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to turn bright green and become tender-crisp. Remove the green beans from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
In the same pan, add a little more vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the coated chicken strips to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the green beans to the pan with the chicken. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir everything together, ensuring that the sauce coats both the chicken and the green beans evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Serve the chicken and green beans stir fry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Health Benefits of Chicken and Green Beans
This chicken and green beans recipe is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why this dish makes a great choice for a healthy meal:
- High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. Protein also helps keep you feeling full longer.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Green beans are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, which are important for immune function, bone health, and cell growth.
- Low in Calories: This stir-fry recipe is low in calories, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: By using tamari instead of soy sauce, you can easily make this dish gluten-free for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this recipe. They add a nice crunch and vibrant color to the dish. If you only have frozen green beans on hand, be sure to thaw and drain them well before stir-frying.
- Customize the Vegetables: While this recipe focuses on green beans, you can easily add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots. Just be sure to cook them until tender but still crisp to maintain texture.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy spice, add a dash of chili oil or some sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Meal Prep for the Week: This chicken and green beans stir-fry is a great option for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat it in a pan when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry
This stir-fry recipe is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. The tender chicken pairs wonderfully with the crisp, fresh green beans, while the savory sauce pulls everything together. Not only is it a simple recipe, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the vegetables, try different proteins, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Whether you are cooking for yourself or for a family dinner, this chicken and green beans recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor – what’s not to love?
Serve It With These Delicious Sides
While the chicken and green beans stir fry is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a variety of sides to enhance the experience:
- Steamed Rice: Classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice pairs perfectly with stir-fry dishes.
- Noodles: Try serving this dish with chow mein or soba noodles for a noodle-based twist.
- Side Salad: A light side salad with a citrus vinaigrette will complement the savory stir-fry nicely.
For more delicious chicken recipes, visit our Recipesify blog.
External Links to Learn More About Stir Fry Cooking
- The Woks of Life – Chicken Stir Fry Recipes – Explore more stir-fry ideas for your next meal.
Conclusion
This chicken and green beans recipe is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal in less than 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stir-fry that’s packed with protein and vitamins. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your meal planning rotation. Try it today, and enjoy a nutritious meal that’s full of flavor!
