Easy Chinese String Bean Chicken Recipe – Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Stir-Fry

Name: Easy Chinese String Bean Chicken Recipe – Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: For the Chicken; 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon black pepper; For the Stir-Fry; 12 oz fresh string beans (green beans), trimmed; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ½ cup chicken broth (or water); For the Savory Sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Nothing beats the sizzle of a hot wok and the aroma of garlic hitting the pan that’s the magic of easy Chinese string bean chicken. This dish is a takeout favorite made simple at home: tender chicken tenders tossed with crisp string beans in a glossy, savory sauce that’s salty-sweet perfection.

I make this at least once a week because it’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses one pan, and everyone from picky kids to spice lovers cleans their plate. Pair it with steamed rice, and you’ve got easy weeknight dinners sorted. If you loved the crunch of my Irresistible Cheese Korean Corn Dogs, this chicken stir fry will be your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stir Fry Recipes Chicken: Fast, flavorful, foolproof.
Easy Chinese: No fancy ingredients or techniques.
Green Bean Recipes: Crisp, not soggy.
Easy Weeknight Dinners: 25 mins from fridge to table.
Savory Sauce: Glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Easy Chinese String Bean Chicken ingredients

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir-Fry

12 oz fresh string beans (green beans), trimmed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup chicken broth (or water)

For the Savory Sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

String Bean: Snow peas or broccoli florets work too.
Chicken Stir Fry: Swap with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
Steamed Rice: Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or fresh chilies.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari and GF oyster sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1 — Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, toss chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and pepper. Let sit 5–10 minutes while prepping veggies.

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Step 2 — Blanch Beans

Bring a pot of water to boil. Add beans, cook 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

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Step 3 —Make Sauce

Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sugar, and broth in a small bowl. Set aside.

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Step 4 —Stir-Fry Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.

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Step 5 —Cook Aromatics & Beans

Add remaining oil. Stir-fry garlic and ginger 30 seconds until fragrant. Add blanched beans. Cook 2 minutes until bright green.

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Step 6 —Combine & Sauce

Return chicken to wok. Pour in sauce. Stir 1 minute. Add cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened (30–60 seconds).

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sodium
380kcal	28g	42g	12g	4g	920mg

Pro Tips for Success

High Heat: Wok or heavy skillet don’t crowd the pan.
Blanch Beans: Locks in color and crunch.
Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens sauce perfectly.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken stays juicy, beans stay crisp.

How to Serve

Classic: With steamed rice and a fried egg.
Low-Carb: Over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Meal Prep: Divide into containers reheats beautifully.
Family Style: Serve with Fresh Mediterranean Greek Corn Salad on the side.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Szechuan: Add doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns.
Garlic Black Bean: Use fermented black beans.
Sesame Chicken Beans: Finish with toasted sesame seeds.
Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms.
Crispy Version: Double-fry chicken for extra crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge Airtight container up to 3 days.

Freezer Freeze in portions up to 2 months.

Reheating

Microwave: 1–2 mins with a damp paper towel.
Stovetop: Medium heat with a splash of water.

FAQs

A: Yes! Thaw and pat dry skip blanchin

Make another cornstarch slurry and stir in.

Yes! Prep chicken and sauce in advance. Stir-fry fresh.

Jasmine or basmati fluffy and fragrant.

Final Words

This easy Chinese string bean chicken is proof that stir fry recipes chicken can be fast, healthy, and insanely delicious. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen even on a Tuesday night.

One bite of that savory sauce coating tender chicken and crisp string beans, and you’ll ditch takeout menus for good. Make it once, and it’ll be in your weekly rotation.

Tried it? Tell me your favorite add-in in the comments!