Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- A healthy, balanced dish full of lean protein and fresh vegetables.
- Perfectly crisp-tender green beans in a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Ideal for meal prep or a quick weeknight stir-fry.
- Pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thinly sliced)
- Fresh green beans (trimmed)
- Soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated or minced)
- Cornstarch
- Water or chicken broth
- Brown sugar or honey
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water (or chicken broth). Set aside.
- Cook the green beans. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté the green beans for 4–5 minutes until bright green and slightly blistered. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the chicken. Add a bit more oil to the pan, then add the sliced chicken. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add aromatics. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine everything. Return the green beans to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Finish and serve. Drizzle with sesame oil, toss to combine, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or eat as-is for a lighter meal.
- Add vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli make great additions.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your oyster sauce for gluten-free labeling.
- Teriyaki twist: Replace oyster sauce with teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To keep the green beans crisp, reheat briefly and avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess water in the stir-fry.
What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work great too for a leaner option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and chop the ingredients in advance to save time. Cook just before serving for best results.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar for a similar flavor.
How do I keep green beans crisp?
Cook them quickly over high heat and don’t cover the pan—they should stay tender-crisp.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein, packed with vegetables, and can be made low-sodium and low-carb with simple adjustments.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
Why did my sauce turn too thick?
It may have cooked too long—add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it during the final step to heat through.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles are all great options.
Conclusion
Easy Chinese Chicken and Green Beans is a simple yet flavorful stir-fry that delivers restaurant-quality taste in minutes. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s a wholesome, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Serve it with rice or noodles, and you’ll have a healthy, delicious dinner everyone will love.
PrintEasy Chinese Chicken and Green Beans
Easy Chinese Chicken and Green Beans is a quick, flavorful stir-fry with tender chicken and crisp green beans tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated or minced)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water (or chicken broth). Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and sauté for 4–5 minutes until bright green and slightly blistered. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for 4–5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add garlic and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return green beans to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, toss, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the green beans—they should stay crisp-tender.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- For extra heat, add chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce.
- Can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin or soy sauce mixed with sugar.
- Meal prep friendly—keeps well in the fridge for 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg