Name: String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced into 1/4 inch thick bite sized pieces; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ medium yellow onion, diced into 1-inch pieces; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb string beans (green beans), ends trimmed, chopped into 2-inch pieces

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There is something incredibly satisfying about the String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe that brings a perfect blend of textures and flavors to your dinner table. The tender slices of chicken paired with crisp, fresh string beans and a luscious savory sauce make this dish an unbeatable choice when craving something both hearty and healthy. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare yet feels like a lovingly crafted meal, with the gentle garlic aroma and the subtle sweetness of the sauce enveloping every bite. Whether you’re dishing this up for a weekday lunch or a weekend dinner, it’s sure to become one of your new favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark gray wok filled with a stir-fry of three main layers: bright green chopped long beans, light brown pieces of cooked chicken scattered evenly, and translucent white chunks of onion mixed throughout. The green beans are fresh and firm, lying mostly on top and around the chicken. The chicken pieces are medium-sized with a shiny cooked surface, sitting mingled with the green beans and onions. The onions add a soft texture and light color contrast in the dish. Two wooden spoons are stirring the food, held by a woman's hand on the left side. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient choices. Each element serves a purpose — from tender chicken breast providing protein, to string beans offering a delightful crunch and freshness, all brought together with a mix of classic Chinese sauces that create the perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced: Choose fresh chicken and slice evenly for quick, uniform cooking.
1 tablespoon light soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth without overpowering the natural flavors.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine: This Chinese cooking wine tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight aromatic note.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken and gives it a velvety texture when cooked.
1 tablespoon water: Balances the cornstarch and soy sauce in the marinade.
2 teaspoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for cooking at high heat.
¾ cup low sodium chicken broth: Creates the base of the stir fry sauce with flavor and moisture.
1 ½ tablespoons light soy sauce: Enhances the sauce’s savoriness.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and a subtly sweet umami boost.
½ tablespoon dark soy sauce: Contributes a deep color and a touch of sweetness.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the salty and savory elements perfectly.
2 teaspoons cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Finishes the dish with a nutty aroma and smooth richness.
½ medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that irresistible aromatic punch.
1 lb string beans (green beans), ends trimmed and chopped: Offers vibrant color, crunch, and freshness to the dish.

How to Make String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin your journey to flavor by marinating the chicken slices. Combining the chicken with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, water, and vegetable oil not only seasons the meat but tenderizes it, ensuring every morsel turns out juicy and flavorful. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb all that goodness—this step is vital for a tender stir fry experience.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

The sauce is where the magic really happens. By mixing chicken broth, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch, you create a perfectly balanced sauce that coats each ingredient while cooking. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, and keep this aside until it’s time to bring everything together.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in your wok or pan until smoking hot to get a quick sear on the chicken pieces. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking and let them develop a golden crust on one side before flipping. This step locks in juices and flavor. Cook until just done, then remove so they don’t overcook during the remaining steps.

Step 4: Cook the String Beans

Using the same wok, add oil and cook the string beans over medium heat. Stir them often and let them get tender yet still crisp—about 6 minutes. This gives the beans their perfect “snap,” which makes the dish exciting with every bite.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Stir Fry

Push the beans to one side, then add a bit more oil to sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and soft. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken and intensify. Toss back in the cooked chicken along with a drizzle of sesame oil, stirring everything together so the savory sauce cloaks every ingredient. In just 30 seconds, you’ll have a glossy, irresistible dish ready to enjoy!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your homemade String Bean Chicken Stir Fry immediately with fluffy steamed white rice, soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauce. It’s a quick meal that tastes like it took hours, perfect for any day of the week.

How to Serve String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

The dish shows a white bowl filled with three main layers: bright green cut green beans, medium-sized orange-brown chicken pieces coated with a shiny sauce, and scattered small chunks of light brown onions throughout. The green beans are cut into short pieces and mixed evenly with the chicken, giving a fresh, cooked look. The chicken pieces are smooth and soft-looking with light sauce glaze reflecting the light. Around the bowl, there are two white bowls with fluffy white rice grains. The background is a white marbled surface with a wooden utensil and a light pink cloth nearby, creating a clean and fresh setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped scallions on top for extra bursts of flavor and texture. A few chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can also add a welcome spicy kick if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which balances the bold flavors and sauces beautifully. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a side of simple steamed bok choy or baby broccoli to keep it light and green.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stir fry over crunchy lettuce cups or wrapped in warm tortillas for a casual Asian-inspired taco. You can even toss it with noodles like lo mein or rice noodles for a complete one-pan dinner that impresses your guests with its simplicity and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover String Bean Chicken Stir Fry keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as it sits, making lunchtime the next day even better!

Freezing

This stir fry freezes well; just cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months frozen, making it a perfect meal prep candidate for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry to rehydrate the sauce and keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen string beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen string beans if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir fry.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a mild white wine works well as a substitute. You can also omit it and add a touch more soy sauce for flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

This String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or chili oil if you prefer some heat in your dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

Slice the chicken breast thinly across the grain into bite-sized pieces about 1/4 inch thick. This helps it cook quickly and remain tender in the stir fry.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, it’s hard not to keep coming back for more. The vibrant colors, simple fresh ingredients, and that rich sauce will have your taste buds singing. It’s a dish that feels comforting yet light, making it perfect for almost any occasion. So grab your wok and get stirring — your new favorite meal is just 30 minutes away!