There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a flavorful chicken and green bean stir fry in under 30 minutes. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was running late from work, and I thought, “What can I make that’s quick yet satisfying?” This stir fry saved the day! The vibrant green beans add a lovely crunch, while the chicken becomes beautifully tender, soaking up all that savory soy sauce. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal. Trust me, once you try this quick and easy chicken and green bean stir fry, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (adds a nice zing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this for extra flavor!)
How to Prepare Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry
Making this chicken and green bean stir fry is a breeze, and I promise you’ll have it on the table in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in about 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want that oil hot enough to sizzle when you add the garlic!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn—nobody wants that bitter taste!
- Next, add your sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to soak up all those delightful flavors.
- After the chicken is browned, it’s time to add the green beans. Stir them in and let everything cook together for another 5 minutes. The beans should be tender but still crisp—trust me, that crunch makes all the difference!
- Now, pour in the soy sauce and give everything a good mix. This is when the magic happens! Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it cook for another 2 minutes to let those flavors meld.
- Finally, serve your stir fry hot. It’s perfect on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles if you’re feeling extra hungry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients with lean chicken and fresh green beans
- Flavor-packed with savory soy sauce, garlic, and ginger
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch for easy lunches
- One-pan dish means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal
- Easily customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins!
Tips for Success
To really nail this chicken and green bean stir fry, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that make all the difference! First off, always use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor—trust me, it’s worth it! If you can, slice your chicken breast against the grain; this will help keep it tender. When you’re cooking, make sure your pan is hot enough; a sizzling sound when adding the garlic means you’re on the right track!
Don’t be shy with the soy sauce—adjust it to your taste, but start with 2 tablespoons and see how you like it. And if you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a splash of sesame oil right before serving for an extra layer of flavor. This dish is fantastic served over jasmine rice or noodles, but it can also stand alone for a lighter meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
This chicken and green bean stir fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients or brands you use. It’s a guilt-free meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry
Can I use frozen green beans? Absolutely! Frozen green beans work in a pinch. Just toss them in the pan straight from the freezer, but be aware they may take a minute longer to cook through.
What can I serve with this stir fry? This chicken and green bean stir fry is fantastic on its own, but if you want to bulk it up, serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a heartier meal.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce to bring back some moisture.
Can I customize the recipe? Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to switch things up. Just adjust cooking times as needed for those additions.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this chicken and green bean stir fry fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your chicken and green bean stir fry is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat. I like to add a splash of soy sauce to bring back some of that delicious moisture and flavor. You can also microwave it if you’re in a hurry, just cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Enjoy your tasty meal all over again!
Print
Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: 25 Minutes to Bliss
A quick and easy chicken and green bean stir fry.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken slices, cook until browned.
- Add green beans, stir fry for 5 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce, mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for best texture.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity for your taste.
- Serve over rice or noodles if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken stir fry, green bean stir fry, quick meal