Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe
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.
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.