String bean chicken or chicken with green beans is our favorite under-30-minute healthy recipe in our rotation that we love to make when we have a busy week. This delicious string bean chicken stir-fry recipe is even better than Panda Express and is so easy to make at home.

This healthy Chinese chicken and green beans recipe is an ideal recipe for meal prepping lunch or dinner with a side of steamed white rice for a balanced meal. Plus, this recipe is super customizable depending on what you have in the refrigerator and your flavor preferences.

Ingredients

You can find all of the ingredients for this string bean chicken recipe at your local Asian or Chinese grocery market. Full measurements and links to the ingredients I used are listed in the recipe card below.

Chicken Marinade

• Chicken Breast: For the leanest option, you can use chicken thighs or tenders.
• Light soy sauce: to season the chicken.
• Shaoxing Wine: tenderizes and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Cornstarch coats and tenderizes the chicken while creating a velvety texture.
• Water: loosens up the marinade so the cornstarch has something to bind to.
• Vegetable Oil: helps retain the moisture while cooking and contributes to a more tender texture.

String Bean Chicken Sauce

• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth. It adds a deeper, comforting savory flavor.
• Light Soy Sauce: is a lighter form of soy sauce that adds a salty, savory element.
• Dark Soy Sauce: contributes to the deep brown color and gently sweetens the sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: adds a deep, savory, salty, briny flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: gently sweetens the string bean sauce for an overall balanced flavor.
• Cornstarch: thickens the sauce into a sticky glaze.
• Sesame Oil: is the finishing touch that adds a nutty umami flavor.

Stir Fry

• Yellow Onion and Garlic: are the primary aromatics of the stir-fry.
• String Beans: aka green beans, are the star vegetable! Be sure to wash, trim the ends, and cut the string beans into even pieces for even cooking.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Protein: tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork are good alternatives to chicken.
• Vegetables: asparagus or bell peppers. Or for a broccoli version, check out my chicken and broccoli recipe.
• Sweetener: alternatives to granulated sugar can be brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.
• Chicken broth alternatives: water, water with chicken bouillon powder, vegetable broth, or beef broth.
• Oyster Sauce alternatives: Hoisin sauce or vegan mushroom oyster sauce are good alternatives.
• Soy Sauce alternatives: Tamari or coconut aminos are good gluten-free substitutions.

Additions

• Spice: for added heat, chili flakes, fresh Thai chilis, chili oil or sambal oelek.
• Ginger: For a more aromatic, spicy stir-fry, add grated ginger.
• Vegetables: you can add a medley of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, snow peas, baby corn, bell peppers, etc, for a more veggie-forward stir-fry.
• Garnish: toasted sesame seeds or roasted peanuts add another textural component and flavor.

How to Make String Bean Chicken

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make this string bean chicken recipe.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the sliced chicken breast, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, water, and vegetable oil. Marinate for 15 minutes.

2. In a small mixing bowl, mix the chicken broth, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.

3. Heat one tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large pan on medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken and cook it for 1-2 minutes on each side, until done. Remove and set aside.

4. Heat one tablespoon of cooking oil in the same wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the string beans and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Push the green beans to the side and add one tablespoon of oil. Add the onions and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Then add the sauce. Then add the chicken, sesame oil, and toss until everything is combined.

6. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and enjoy!

Storage Instructions

This Chinese string bean chicken is best served immediately. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: You can reheat the string beans with chicken on the stove over medium heat until warm, or microwave covered until warm.
• Freeze: You can freeze the chicken and green beans once it has cooled to room temperature in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

FAQ

What kind of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the most common cut. However, you can use chicken thighs, or tenders as well.

What is in string bean chicken sauce?

For this recipe, the string bean chicken sauce is made up of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, low-sodium chicken broth, sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Since the chicken is marinated with baking soda and cornstarch, the ideal time is between 15-30 minutes, and not to exceed 45 minutes. Any longer and the chicken may over-tenderize and have an undesirable texture.

String Bean Chicken Recipe