Description
This String Bean Chicken recipe inspired by Panda Express features tender marinated chicken breast stir-fried with fresh green beans and crisp white onions, all coated in a flavorful savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness. This quick and delicious stir-fry offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, ideal for a satisfying homemade Asian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless – cut against the grain into ¼ inch thick slices)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons Mirin (or Shaoxing wine, or cooking wine)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
Vegetables
- 2 cups green beans (fresh string beans, washed and trimmed – cut into 2 inch pieces)
- 1 medium white onion (chopped into 1 inch wedges)
Sauce
- ¼ cup chicken stock or water
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 3 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients including soy sauce, Mirin, cornstarch, and brown sugar. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and stir to coat. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat. If short on time, let it sit while preparing other ingredients.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together the sauce ingredients – chicken stock or water, oyster sauce, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger – in a medium bowl and set aside. Stir again before using as cornstarch can settle.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to achieve a good sear. Let the chicken cook undisturbed until golden brown on one side (about 30 seconds to 1 minute), then flip and cook the other side similarly. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the prepared green beans and white onion wedges. Sauté over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften yet retain some crunch. Reduce the heat to medium before proceeding.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir and sauté everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the chicken and vegetables. Adjust the amount of sauce to taste if you prefer less.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer will yield more tender and flavorful meat.
- Fresh green beans provide the best texture; blanch briefly if you prefer softer beans before stir-frying.
- Use high heat to get a nice sear on the chicken without overcooking it.
- Adjust sugar and soy sauce in the marinade and sauce according to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keywords: String Bean Chicken,Panda Express Copycat,Asian Stir Fry,Chicken and Green Beans,Homemade Panda Express,Healthy Stir Fry
