String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

This Chinese string bean chicken recipe, inspired by Panda Express, is packed with juicy chicken breast chunks, fresh green beans, and a savory stir-fry sauce. In this article, I'll explore the ingredients, preparation, and cooking techniques that make string bean chicken a favorite dish your family will enjoy. Read on to learn how to make this dish like a pro!

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: This dish's primary protein is chicken breast. I used boneless, skinless chicken breast, but chicken thighs also work if you don't have chicken breast. You can prepare the chicken by cutting it into small chunks.
• String bean (cut to 2-3 inches): String beans, also known as green beans or snap beans, are the same vegetable. String beans add a fresh, crunchy texture and a vibrant green color to this delicious dish.
• Cooking oil: We use oil to sauté the chicken and string beans.
• Minced garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic flavor that enhances this recipe.

Marinade ingredients for the chicken:

• Light soy sauce:  Adds umami and saltiness to the chicken.
• Shaoxing cooking wine: or dry sherry. It is available in any Asian market.
• Cornstarch: Coats the chicken, helping to lock in moisture and create a slightly smooth texture when cooked.
• Black pepper

Stir fry sauce:

• Water: Dilutes the sauce, balancing the flavors and consistency. You can also use chicken broth.
• Light regular soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce: Deepens the color of the sauce, giving it a rich, dark hue and a slightly more intense umami flavor.
• Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness.

Step-by-step cooking process instructions

Marinate the chicken: Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Add the chicken pieces, making sure every piece is well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-30 minutes, or up to an hour for a more intense flavor.

Prepare the stir-fry sauce: In another small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside.

Stir-fry the chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add a small amount of cooking oil. Add the marinated chicken chunks in a single layer without crowding the pan. Stir-fry the chicken constantly until golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Stir-fry the green beans: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the rest of the cooking oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and stir fry until fragrant. Add the green beans and continue to stir fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Pour the water into the wok, cover it, and let the green beans steam for an additional 2 minutes.

Combine and finish: Return the chicken chunks to the green bean. Pour in the stir-fry sauce mixture and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through. 

Serve: Serve the string bean chicken over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. 

Pro tips to make perfect string bean chicken

Here are some pro tips for making string bean chicken:

• Use high heat: Stir-fry the chicken and string beans on high heat. This helps to quickly sear the chicken, locking in juices and gives the beans a nice charred flavor without making them soggy.
• Marinate for optimal flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 10-30 minutes. The longer the marination time, the deeper the flavors.
• Variations: You can also add more vegetables like red peppers, sweet onions, or mushrooms.
• Adjust the sauce mixture: Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste. Add more or less sugar and soy sauce as needed. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy flavor.
• Fresh ingredients: Fresh green beans will make this dish stand out. I strongly recommend the fresh green beans over frozen ones.

Storing and reheating

If you have any leftovers, let the string bean chicken cool to room temperature. Then, place the cooled chicken and string beans in an airtight container and store the container in the refrigerator. String bean chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When ready to eat, reheat the dish on the stovetop or microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the chicken moist.

Final thoughts

This Chinese string bean chicken recipe is a great way to bring the flavors of Chinese restaurants into your home. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for dinner rotation. Next time you're in the grocery store, remember to grab the ingredients and give this recipe a try. Enjoy your delicious dinners and happy cooking!

String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

This Chinese string bean chicken recipe, inspired by Panda Express, is packed with juicy chicken breast chunks and fresh green beans.

5 from 10 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 225kcal

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast boneless, skinless
• 1 pound string bean cut to 2-3 inches
• 4 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 tablespoons minced garlic

Marinade for the chicken:

• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing cooking wine
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Stir fry sauce:

• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce

Instructions

• Marinate the chicken: Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Add the chicken pieces, making sure every piece is well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-30 minutes, or up to an hour for a more intense flavor.
• Prepare the stir-fry sauce: In another small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside.
• Stir-fry the chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add a small amount of cooking oil. Add the marinated chicken chunks in a single layer without crowding the pan. Stir-fry the chicken constantly until golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
• Stir-fry the green beans: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the rest of the cooking oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and stir fry until fragrant. Add the green beans and continue to stir fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Pour the water into the wok, cover it, and let the green beans steam for an additional 2 minutes.
• Combine and finish: Return the chicken chunks to the green bean. Pour in the stir-fry sauce mixture and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
• Serve: Serve the string bean chicken over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.7g | Protein: 10.3g | Fat: 14.6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 2742mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9.6g | Calcium: 19mg

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below, and tag me @sassychopsticks9 or tag #sassychopsticks9 on Instagram!

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