Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful dish that proves a simple ingredient list can still deliver bold, satisfying results. This recipe brings together tender strips of chicken breast, crisp green beans, and sweet red bell pepper, all coated in a savory, glossy sauce infused with garlic and fresh ginger. It’s ideal for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly, cooks in a single pan, and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a complete, balanced meal.
The key to a great stir fry is preparation. Because everything cooks rapidly over medium-high heat, having all ingredients washed, cut, and ready before you start ensures smooth cooking and prevents overcooking. Each component in this dish has a purpose: the chicken provides lean protein, the green beans add freshness and crunch, the red bell pepper brings mild sweetness, and the sauce ties everything together with umami depth and a lightly thickened finish.
Ingredients (Yield: 4 servings)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients in advance.
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin, even strips. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly without drying out. Trim the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces so they are easy to stir-fry and eat. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Mince the garlic and fresh ginger finely to ensure they release their flavor quickly once added to the pan. - Heat the skillet or wok.
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers and spreads easily across the pan. Properly heated oil is essential for achieving a good sear on the chicken and preventing sticking. - Cook the chicken.
Add the sliced chicken breast to the hot oil in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Stir-fry the vegetables.
In the same skillet, add the green beans and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing frequently. The vegetables should become tender but still retain a slight crunch and vibrant color. Cooking them in the same pan allows them to absorb the flavor left behind by the chicken.
- Add the aromatics.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegetables. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish, but it’s important not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. - Prepare the sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This ensures the sauce will thicken evenly once heated. - Combine everything.
Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables in the skillet, stirring immediately to coat them evenly. Return the cooked chicken, along with any juices from the plate, back into the pan. Toss everything together so the chicken and vegetables are well combined with the sauce. - Finish and thicken.
Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. As the sauce heats, it will thicken and become glossy, clinging to the chicken and vegetables. Make sure everything is heated through evenly. - Serve immediately.
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. The warm grains absorb the savory sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, the chicken can be marinated in soy sauce and ginger for up to 30 minutes before cooking, using ingredients already listed.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as stir-fried vegetables are at their peak when freshly cooked.
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is simple, reliable, and full of balanced flavor, making it a go-to recipe for quick homemade meals that never feel rushed.