This chicken stir fry with green beans is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Packed with tender chicken bites, crisp green beans, and a savory sauce that coats every morsel, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s a quick stir fry with chicken and green beans that’s simple, healthy, and so satisfying.
What makes it special? The vibrant green beans add a fresh crunch, while the marinated chicken absorbs a rich, umami-packed sauce.
You’ll love that it’s approachable for home cooks while producing chef-worthy results. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice, and you’ve got a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner ready to impress.
My Story Behind This Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
The inspiration for this recipe came during my culinary school days when we first learned to master stir-frying.
I fell in love with how such simple ingredients could transform into something so flavorful using high heat and quick movements. When I perfected this easy chicken stir fry recipe at home, I knew it was a keeper.
I’ve tested several variations, but this combination of chicken thighs, green beans, and a sweet-savory sauce is my favorite.
It’s perfect for when you need a nourishing meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making a healthy chicken and green beans stir fry for meal prep or a last-minute dinner, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any need.
Ingredients for Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
- 1 lb boneless chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- While the chicken marinates, trim the green beans by snipping off the ends. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken along with its marinade. Stir-fry the chicken for about 2 minutes or until it starts to brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for 1 minute to give them some color. Add the chicken broth or water, cover with a lid, and let steam for 2 minutes. This quick steaming softens the beans while keeping them vibrant.
- Uncover the pan and return the chicken to it. Add the oyster sauce and stir everything together, letting the sauce coat the chicken and green beans. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes more, until the chicken is fully cooked and the green beans reach your preferred tenderness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or salt if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy!
My Chef Tips for the Best Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
- Pick the right cut: Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results compared to chicken breasts.
- Prep ahead: Trim your green beans and marinate the chicken in advance to cut down on cooking time.
- High heat is key: Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
- Customizable veggies: Add broccoli, snow peas, or carrots for extra variety.
- Storage tips: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet for best results.
- Make it spicy: Add red chili flakes, chili crisp, or fresh sliced chilies to spice up the dish.
- Don’t overcook the beans: For a fresh crunch, stop cooking as soon as the green beans turn bright green.
Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap chicken thighs with breasts! Keep in mind that thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier, but breasts are a leaner option that works well.
Is this recipe considered a healthy chicken and green beans stir fry?
Absolutely! This recipe is made with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a light sauce. For an even healthier version, cut down on the sugar and use low-sodium soy sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce with a gluten-free version like tamari, and make sure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the stir fry in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. This helps maintain the texture better than microwaving.
Can I scale this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Double the ingredients and portion the cooked stir fry into airtight meal prep containers with steamed rice. It holds up well for 3–4 days.
Ready to Make This Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans?
If you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, healthy, and full of bold flavors—this chicken stir fry with green beans is a must-try! The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender green beans, and a savory sauce will make this recipe a family favorite.
What’s your favorite twist on a classic stir-fry? I’d love to hear your ideas and how this recipe turns out for you. Drop a comment below or share your photos and tag me on social media!
Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- While the chicken marinates, trim the green beans by snipping off the ends. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken along with its marinade. Stir-fry the chicken for about 2 minutes or until it starts to brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for 1 minute to give them some color. Add the chicken broth or water, cover with a lid, and let steam for 2 minutes. This quick steaming softens the beans while keeping them vibrant.
- Uncover the pan and return the chicken to it. Add the oyster sauce and stir everything together, letting the sauce coat the chicken and green beans. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes more, until the chicken is fully cooked and the green beans reach your preferred tenderness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or salt if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy!
