Name: Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 pound green beans, ends trimmed and halved; 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 3 scallions, thinly sliced (separate white/light parts and dark green parts); 3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ cup chicken broth; Steamed rice; Sesame seeds; Extra dark green parts of scallions

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

There is something incredibly satisfying about a well-executed stir fry that brings together vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and tender textures in one pan. This Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is exactly that kind of dish: a quick, flavor-packed meal that feels comforting yet light, with a deliciously balanced sauce that has just the right hint of sweetness and umami. From the tender, juicy chicken thighs to the bright, blistered green beans, every bite bursts with freshness and warmth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without the fuss, but impressive enough that you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows several white bowls and small clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl on the left contains bright green cut green beans with smooth texture. Below it, a smaller white bowl holds chopped green onions in various shades of green and white. To the right, the biggest clear glass bowl is filled with raw pink chicken pieces, showing soft and slightly shiny textures. Surrounding these bowls are five small clear glass bowls or dishes with different ingredients: pale yellow chopped garlic and grated ginger in one white dish, clear liquid in a small glass bowl, light brown sesame seeds in another, reddish-brown soy sauce in one small glass bowl, and a white powdery ingredient in a small clear glass bowl. The whole scene is brightly lit and neatly arranged. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that come together to create a dish full of depth and texture. Each item, from the protein to the aromatics and sauces, plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and vibrant color.

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are perfect for stir fry because they stay juicy and tender under high heat.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: A savory base that helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with umami.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Ensures the chicken gets a slight coating for better searing and thickens the sauce later.
3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided): Using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil allows you to sear without overpowering flavors.
1 pound green beans (ends trimmed and halved): Adds a crisp, fresh texture and a pop of vibrant green color.
4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced): Brings aromatic pungency and a slight sweetness when sautéed.
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Provides a warm, zesty kick that brightens the dish.
3 scallions (thinly sliced): Offers both savory onion flavor and a fresh crunch.
Steamed rice (for serving): The perfect, fluffy base to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
Sesame seeds and extra scallions (for garnish): Adds an appealing nutty crunch and fresh burst of color.
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory backbone of the stir fry sauce without being too salty.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Contributes a slightly sweet and earthy seafood essence.
1 tablespoon hoisin: Adds a rich, tangy sweetness that balances the savory elements.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness that lifts the flavor.
1 tablespoon honey: Provides subtle sweetness for a well-rounded sauce.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds a deep, nutty aroma and flavor to finish the dish.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to cling beautifully to the ingredients.
½ cup chicken broth: Gives the sauce body and savory depth.

How to Make Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by mixing the sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss everything together so the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Let it rest for about 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This simple step ensures the chicken not only absorbs flavor but also develops a tender texture when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set this mixture aside. Whisking beforehand saves time once everything else is cooked and guarantees the sauce will be smooth and well combined, ready to thicken the stir fry perfectly.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and sauté, tossing occasionally, until they’re blistered on the edges, bright in color, and just tender—about 6 to 7 minutes. Then transfer them to a plate. This step caramelizes the green beans nicely while preserving their satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Using the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and spread the chicken in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes so it can develop a nice brown crust. Then stir and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the green beans, leaving the flavorful fond in the pan for the next step.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce the heat slightly and add the garlic, grated ginger, and the white and light green parts of the sliced scallions. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just slightly golden around the edges—about 30 to 45 seconds. These aromatics are the heart of the dish’s flavor, releasing intense fragrance that makes your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 6: Combine and Sauce It Up

Return the green beans and chicken to the pan. Give the sauce a quick whisk because the cornstarch settles to the bottom. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, tossing frequently as the sauce thickens and beautifully coats every piece of chicken and every green bean, creating a glossy, irresistible finish.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the stir fry over bowls of fluffy steamed rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and the darker green parts of the sliced scallions for an extra pop of crunch and freshness. Now you’re ready to enjoy a meal that’s bursting with balanced, satisfying flavors!

How to Serve Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe

A close-up top view of a dark pan filled with a stir fry dish showing three main layers: the bottom layer has a shiny brown sauce that coats the ingredients, the middle layer is made of bright green green beans that look firm and fresh, spread evenly across the pan, and the top layer includes light brown pieces of cooked chicken along with chopped green onions sprinkled all over and a few sesame seeds scattered on top. The handle of the pan is wrapped in a gray and white striped kitchen towel, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling sesame seeds and fresh scallions over your Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe adds a delightful crunch and a fresh herbal note that complements the savory sauce beautifully. For an extra touch, you can also drizzle a little extra toasted sesame oil just before serving to intensify the nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all the luscious sauce perfectly. If you want to add more variety, steamed or fried rice or even noodles work like a charm. A light cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables on the side will add refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve this stir fry in large, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant green beans and glossy chicken pieces. You could also pack it into lettuce cups for a hand-held treat or use it as a filling for warm bao buns. Either way, the inviting colors and aromas make it a feast for the senses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavor and texture reasonably well. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing.

Freezing

This stir fry can be frozen, but for the best quality, it’s recommended to freeze without rice. Place the cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it. Avoid microwaving if possible, as gentle reheating helps preserve texture and flavor better.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but they tend to dry out faster than thighs. Make sure to slice them thinly and avoid overcooking for juicy results.

Can I substitute the green beans for another vegetable?

Yes! Snap peas, broccoli florets, or asparagus make great alternatives, offering similar crunch and color. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to keep vegetables crisp-tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, due to the soy sauce and oyster sauce, which usually contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and look for gluten-free oyster sauce or substitute with additional tamari and a splash of fish sauce.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Adjust cooking times since tofu requires less time to cook.

What’s the best way to get the green beans nicely blistered?

Make sure your pan is hot and don’t crowd the green beans. Stir occasionally but give them space to develop those lovely charred spots that add flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry Recipe is one of those meals that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet delicious enough to share with friends and family. The way the savory sauce clings to tender chicken and crisp green beans keeps you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it, enjoy the cooking process, and savor every tasty bite!