Name: chicken green bean stir fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos; ⅓ cup water; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar (or sub 1 tablespoon honey); 1 tablespoon sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (or sub 1 tablespoon tahini); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ tablespoon arrowroot starch (or sub cornstarch); ½ tablespoon sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil); 1 pound lean ground chicken (or ground turkey); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Freshly ground salt and pepper; ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil); 2 large carrots, thinly sliced; 1 white onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half; ½ cup roasted cashews, chopped; Scallions (green part of the onion only); Extra sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you’re hunting for a seriously satisfying dinner that’s quick, colorful, and brimming with flavor, you need to meet my chicken green bean stir fry. The sweet-and-savory sauce infuses every bite with umami magic, and each forkful delivers tender chicken, crunchy green beans, and vibrant veggies. This recipe has fast become one of my weeknight saviors: everything comes together in under 30 minutes, and it’s as delightful on the plate as it is nourishing. Trust me, you’ll want to put this chicken green bean stir fry on repeat!

chicken green bean stir fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk simple ingredients with a big impact! Each component in this chicken green bean stir fry plays a starring role, from the zing of fresh ginger to the crunch of roasted cashews. Here’s what you’ll need and why each makes your stir fry shine.

Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: The flavor backbone of your sauce, perfectly balancing salty and sweet notes.
Water: Helps mellow and distribute the sauce across every bite.
Garlic (minced): Adds a punchy, aromatic savoriness that stirs everything to life.
Coconut sugar or brown sugar (or honey): Brings a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully with the sauce’s tang.
Sesame oil (preferably toasted): Toasted sesame oil delivers an irresistible nutty aroma—don’t skip it if you can help it!
Rice vinegar: For a touch of acidity that rounds out the sauce and lifts the dish.
Fresh grated ginger: This gives a fresh, zingy heat that sings through each bite.
Sesame seeds or tahini: All about texture and a little extra nuttiness—either works, but sesame seeds add a pop.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick; adjust to suit your spice preference.
Arrowroot starch or cornstarch: The trick for thickening your gorgeous, glossy sauce.
Lean ground chicken (or turkey): The star protein, quick-cooking and super versatile.
Garlic powder: Seasoning the chicken with a flavorful boost.
Salt and pepper: A sprinkle of each wakes up every flavor in the pan.
Carrots (thinly sliced): Bring a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
White onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
Red bell pepper (chopped): Bursts of sweetness and an extra pop of color.
Fresh green beans (trimmed and halved): The heart of our chicken green bean stir fry—crisp, fresh, and so satisfying.
Roasted cashews (chopped): For a toasty crunch on top.
Scallions (green part only): A final oniony flourish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Extra sesame seeds: Scatter for a finishing touch and little visual sparkle.

How to Make chicken green bean stir fry

Step 1: Whisk Up the Flavorful Sauce

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together all the sauce ingredients—the soy sauce, water, minced garlic, coconut sugar, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame seeds (or a spoonful of tahini), red pepper flakes, and arrowroot or cornstarch. Creating your sauce first means it’s ready to go the moment you need to pour it in, helping the whole chicken green bean stir fry come together seamlessly.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat half a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add your ground chicken, sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and start breaking up the meat. Cook until it’s no longer pink and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl (just for a moment) while you focus on those lovely veggies.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies

Add another half-tablespoon of sesame oil to your pot, then toss in the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Let them soften for about 2-4 minutes, just until the onion is starting to look translucent. Next, add the green beans and red bell pepper. Keep stirring for another 6-8 minutes, letting the beans get tender but still crisp—it’s the signature bite in any great chicken green bean stir fry.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add your cooked ground chicken back into the pot with the veggies. Immediately turn the heat down low and pour in your prepared sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2-4 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken and everything is gloriously coated in its glossy sheen. Now, your chicken green bean stir fry is ready for serving!

How to Serve chicken green bean stir fry

Garnishes

As you dish up, sprinkle the top with chopped roasted cashews, a few extra sesame seeds, and a handful of thinly sliced scallions. These simple garnishes not only look beautiful but also add layers of crunch and flavor that really make your chicken green bean stir fry pop!

Side Dishes

This dish is delicious all on its own, but I love serving it over fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a boost of fiber and extra heartiness. Steamed jasmine rice is classic, but cauliflower rice is a winner if you’re craving something lighter. Either way, your chicken green bean stir fry was born to be piled high over grains to soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to mix things up, try spooning your chicken green bean stir fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist, or use it as a vibrant filling for Asian-inspired bowls with extra crunchy veggies and shredded cabbage. It also shines in a meal-prep container, keeping its gorgeous colors and freshness for days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra chicken green bean stir fry? Let it cool completely, then pop any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for lunch the next day or an easy repeat dinner.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your chicken green bean stir fry! Just let it cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, reheat your chicken green bean stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. Either way, those flavors stay punchy and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Definitely! Ground turkey, beef, tofu, or even shrimp work beautifully—just cook them through before adding the veggies. This chicken green bean stir fry is endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Are frozen green beans okay to use?

You can use quality frozen green beans in a pinch, but for best flavor and texture, fresh green beans are ideal. If you do use frozen, add them right before the bell pepper, and cook just until tender.

Is the chicken green bean stir fry spicy?

It has a gentle heat, thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust. Add more for a spicier kick, or leave them out entirely if you’re cooking for little ones or prefer mild.

What’s the best way to slice the carrots and onions?

Thinly slice carrots on a bias for extra visual appeal and quick cooking. For onions, a simple rough chop works great—no need for perfect pieces, just aim for bite-sized.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whisk up the sauce 2-3 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using, then pour it straight into your stir fry when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

This chicken green bean stir fry truly brings vibrant color and big flavor to weeknight dinners, all with ingredients you probably have on hand. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy, fresh, and crave-worthy it is. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, I can’t wait to hear what you think!

chicken green bean stir fry Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 4 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory stir fry sauce will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Instructions

First make your stir fry sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, garlic, coconut sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes and arrowroot starch (or cornstarch). Set aside.
Add ½ tablespoon sesame oil to a large pot and place over medium heat. Once oil is hot add in ground chicken and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Quickly begin to break up the meat and cook until no longer pink. Once cooked, transfer meat to a bowl and set aside. Keep heat in pan.
In the same pot, add ½ tablespoon sesame oil. Add in chopped onion and sliced carrots and cook for 2-4 minutes until onions begin to soften. Next add in green beans and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 6-8 minutes or until green beans are slightly tender but still have a bite. Add cooked ground chicken back to the pot with the veggies. Immediately turn the heat to low and add in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken.
Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a healthy dinner. Garnish with roasted cashews, a few extra sesame seeds and scallions. Serves 4.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian