Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry
A savory, well-balanced stir fry featuring tender chicken, blistered green beans, and a rich sesame-garlic sauce. This quick and healthy meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a satisfying, protein-rich dinner bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast
- 12 ounces fresh green beans washed and ends trimmed
- 1/2 red bell pepper cored and thinly sliced, optional
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise light is fine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for pan frying beans
- 2-3 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine adjust to taste
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for medium heat
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare Chicken
- If using whole boneless chicken breast, slice it thinly across the grain. For tenders, cut into thirds. For thighs, trim excess fat and cut into bite-size pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, sesame oil, and salt. Mix until evenly coated.
Stir Fry Chicken
- Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without moving.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Prepare Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking, combine all stir fry sauce ingredients in a small bowl or cup and stir to dissolve the cornstarch.
Cook Vegetables
- Wipe the skillet clean or scrape off bits with a plastic utensil. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high.
- Add green beans and sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blistered and tender-crisp. If using red pepper, add it halfway through.
Combine and Serve
- Lower heat to medium. Add cooked chicken and prepared sauce to the green beans. Stir well to combine and cook for 1 minute to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve over rice or quinoa.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of Shaoxing wine.
- Maple syrup can be used as a sweetener alternative to brown sugar.
- Use light mayonnaise for a lower-fat option without compromising on texture.
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a more wholesome meal.