A few nights ago, I was craving something flavorful but not too heavy. Scrolling through my favorite food ideas, I remembered Panda Express’s String Bean Chicken. It hits the spot every time! I decided to recreate it in my own kitchen, and wow, the results were amazing.
The mix of tender chicken, crunchy green beans, and that savory sauce made my house smell heavenly. Trust me, if you’ve been looking for an easy, healthy recipe to shake up your dinner routine, you’ll want to give this Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe a try.
You don’t need to be a chef to pull it off, and the best part? It’s ready in less time than it takes to order takeout.
🕒 Cooking Time
Making this dish is surprisingly quick! Here’s a breakdown of the time it takes:
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Wash and chop your green beans, slice chicken into thin strips, and get your ingredients ready. If you prep everything beforehand, it’s so much smoother! - Cook Time: About 10 minutes
The actual cooking is super fast, especially with high heat in a wok or skillet. Don’t walk away from the stove because this dish comes together quickly! - Total Time: Around 25 minutes
Time-Saving Tip
You can pre-chop and prepare the ingredients earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. When it’s cooking time, you’ll be ready to go!
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before you start, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the following tools:
- Wok or Large Skillet
A wok works wonders here, as the high sides keep everything stir-fried smoothly. Alternatively, a non-stick skillet will do the trick. - Sharp Knife
A good knife is essential for slicing chicken into thin strips and prepping veggies. - Cutting Board
Keep your workspace organized with a sturdy board for chopping. - Mixing Bowl
You’ll need this to mix the sauce and marinate the chicken. - Measuring Spoons and Cups
Precision is key, especially for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy in the sauce! - Tongs or a Wooden Spatula
For flipping the chicken and stir-frying the veggies with ease.
Having the right tools makes cooking way more enjoyable and stress-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list for this delicious Panda Express-inspired recipe. These ingredients are simple, but the flavors come alive when paired together!
- 1 lb chicken breast (thinly sliced into strips)
- 1 cup fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup white onion (sliced into thin strips)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for that deep umami flavor)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (adds a slight tangy balance)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1 tsp sugar (or honey if you want a natural sweetener)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (for more depth in flavor)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce slightly)
Optional Extras 🔥
- 1 clove garlic (minced for extra aroma and flavor)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated for a zesty kick)
- Red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!)
How to Cook Panda Express String Bean Chicken?
Follow these straightforward steps to make your meal look and taste like it came straight out of Panda Express!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash the green beans, trim the ends, and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Slice the onion into thin strips. For the chicken, cut it into thin, bite-sized strips. A sharp knife will really help to speed up this step!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Stir well until smooth. This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken strips. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Using the same pan, add another touch of oil and toss in the green beans and onions. Cook for 3 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender but still crisp. For extra flavor, toss in minced garlic or grated ginger if you like.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir everything together so it’s coated evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Make your meal complete with these simple serving suggestions:
- With Steamed Rice
Jasmine or brown rice is a perfect sidekick for soaking up all that delicious sauce. - Over Noodles
Toss the chicken and green beans with soba or lo mein noodles for a hearty twist. - Pair with a Salad
A fresh cucumber salad or Asian coleslaw balances the warm, savory flavors.
Garnishing Tips
Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for a restaurant-style look.
Tips for the Best String Bean Chicken
Make this dish next-level with these helpful tips!
- Marinate the Chicken: Even 15 minutes in a soy-based marinade can make your chicken tender and flavorful.
- Keep the Heat High: Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking, so preheat your pan before starting.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans give the dish a nice crunch, and they hold up better than frozen options.
- Make It Spicier: Add chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce to drizzle over rice, simply double the sauce recipe.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (assuming 4 portions):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 8g
Healthy, right? This dish packs protein and veggies without the guilt!
Storage & Leftover Hacks
Have leftovers? No problem!
- Fridge Storage: Place in an airtight container and enjoy it within 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate the sauce and veggies for the best texture when reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Heat on the stovetop for a fresh-tasting meal. Add a splash of water to the sauce to restore its texture.
Step-by-step instructions in this video:
Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast thinly sliced into strips
- 1 cup fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup white onion sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium for a healthier option
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce for that deep umami flavor
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar adds a slight tangy balance
- 1 tsp sesame oil for a nutty aroma
- 1 tsp sugar or honey if you want a natural sweetener
- 1/4 cup chicken broth for more depth in flavor
- 1 tsp cornstarch to thicken the sauce slightly
Instructions
- Wash the green beans, trim the ends, and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Slice the onion into thin strips. For the chicken, cut it into thin, bite-sized strips. A sharp knife will really help to speed up this step!
- Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Stir well until smooth. This is where the magic happens!
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken strips. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Using the same pan, add another touch of oil and toss in the green beans and onions. Cook for 3 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender but still crisp. For extra flavor, toss in minced garlic or grated ginger if you like.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir everything together so it’s coated evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Notes
- Marinate the Chicken: Even 15 minutes in a soy-based marinade can make your chicken tender and flavorful.
- Keep the Heat High: Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking, so preheat your pan before starting.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans give the dish a nice crunch, and they hold up better than frozen options.
- Make It Spicier: Add chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce to drizzle over rice, simply double the sauce recipe.
