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Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

The ultimate weeknight meal! This quick Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry is packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken and crisp green beans in a sweet and savory sauce. It's the perfect dish for busy nights when you crave something delicious yet easy to prepare.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch to coat the chicken
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 4 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil divided
  • 12 ounces fresh green beans washed and trimmed
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch for the stir fry sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional and to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnishing, optional and to taste

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Cutting Board
  • Skillet
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients. In a large bowl, add the diced chicken pieces. Sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. This coating will help achieve that crispy texture you desire.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, followed by the green beans and sliced onion. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to soften slightly but still retain some crunch. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare your stir fry sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, the additional cornstarch, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. If you like it spicy, add in the red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until smooth.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the stir fry sauce over the top. Stir everything together gently and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and become bubbly.
  6. If desired, garnish your dish with sesame seeds before serving. This simple touch adds a beautiful finish and a slight nutty flavor. Serve the stir fry hot, ideally with some fluffy rice to soak up that delicious sauce!
  7. As for leftovers, if you have any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. Just keep in mind that the green beans will lose their crisp texture over time. Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Tip 2: I recommend against freezing this dish, as the texture of the green beans can deteriorate.
  • Tip 3: This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it over noodles for a delicious variation.
  • Tip 4: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
  • Tip 5: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.
  • Tip 6: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some fresh chili slices for a spicier kick!