Enjoy a quick and healthy Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner that brings together crispy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a delightful sweet chili sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, making it an excellent choice for various occasions. With its balanced flavors and simple preparation, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can serve a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, this stir fry is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: One skillet is all you need, making cleanup a breeze after dinner.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The sweetness of the chili sauce balances perfectly with the savory chicken, appealing to both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry a success, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or wok: A large skillet or wok allows for even cooking, ensuring the chicken gets crispy while the veggies remain tender.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients easy and safe.
- Mixing bowl: Use it to marinate the chicken evenly with the seasonings before cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed
For the Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup steamed green beans
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp ginger (optional)
For Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/8 tsp sesame oil
- 1 1/4 cups sweet chili sauce
How to Make Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dust the chicken with cornstarch until it is evenly coated. This step helps achieve that crispy texture when cooked.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet or Wok
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Turn frequently until it’s evenly cooked through and crispy on all sides. Add more oil if necessary.
Step 5: Sauté Bell Peppers
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced bell peppers until they are tender.
Step 6: Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add steamed green beans along with sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, ginger (if using), and crushed red pepper.
Step 8: Mix Well
Stir well to combine everything thoroughly so that all ingredients are coated with sauce.
Step 9: Serve
Serve hot over rice for a complete meal that your family will love!
This Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry not only tastes great but also makes for an easy weeknight dinner solution that satisfies everyone at the table!
How to Serve Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner
Serving Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious ways to present this flavorful dish that will delight your family and friends.
With Steamed Rice
- Serve over fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice absorbs the sweet chili sauce, enhancing the flavors.
As a Lettuce Wrap
- Use crisp lettuce leaves to create refreshing wraps. Simply spoon the stir fry into the leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
In a Bowl
- Create a colorful bowl with chicken and green beans at the base, topped with sliced avocado or fresh herbs for added flavor.
With Noodles
- Pair with cooked noodles like udon or soba for a hearty meal. Toss everything together for an irresistible noodle stir fry experience.
Topped with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
How to Perfect Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner
To achieve the best results with your Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry, consider these helpful tips for perfection.
Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Chop all vegetables and chicken beforehand. This makes cooking quick and ensures everything is ready when you need it.
Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps to achieve that crispy texture on the chicken. It also seals in flavors effectively.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This allows each piece to brown nicely without steaming.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preferences. Add more garlic or spice if you enjoy stronger flavors!
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner
Pairing side dishes can enhance your meal featuring Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry. Here are some excellent options to complement this dish.
Coconut Rice – The creamy sweetness of coconut rice pairs beautifully with savory stir fry, providing a tropical twist.
Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread is a great way to soak up extra sauce while adding a comforting element to the meal.
Asian Slaw – A fresh Asian slaw offers a crunchy contrast, blending cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing that cuts through the richness.
Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad brings protein and fiber while balancing flavors with its nutty taste.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies add another layer of flavor, complementing the stir fry beautifully with their caramelized sweetness.
Egg Fried Rice – Use leftover rice cooked with eggs and peas for an easy yet delicious side that echoes the stir fry’s Asian roots.
Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled vegetables can brighten up your plate, providing acidity that contrasts nicely with the sweet chili sauce.
Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup rounds out your meal perfectly while adding lightness to contrast the richer components of your dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and final dish.
- seasoning: Overlooking the importance of seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you season both the chicken and vegetables to enhance the overall taste.
- overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can steam rather than fry it. Cook in batches to achieve that crispy texture.
- ignoring prep time: Skipping ingredient prep can slow down cooking. Have everything chopped and ready before you start for a smoother cooking process.
- using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality chicken or vegetables can ruin your dish. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- rushing the cooking process: Cooking on too high heat can lead to burnt food. Maintain medium-high heat for even cooking without charred bits.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner
- Allow the stir fry to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring all air is removed. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry, here are some common questions answered.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can substitute fresh green beans with frozen ones. Just ensure they are thawed before adding them to the stir fry.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to include carrots, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and variety.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of sweet chili sauce that may contain gluten.
How do I customize the spice level?
Adjust crushed red pepper according to your spice preference. You can also add chili paste for more heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Give it a try for a delicious weeknight dinner that you’ll love!
Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner
Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Dinner is the perfect solution for busy families looking for a nutritious yet satisfying meal. This quick stir fry combines tender, crispy chicken with fresh green beans and vibrant bell peppers, all tossed in a flavorful sweet chili sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can create a colorful dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The best part? It’s made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Whether served over rice or as lettuce wraps, this versatile recipe allows for endless customization based on your family’s preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup steamed green beans
- 1/4 tsp ginger (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with vegetable oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dust chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy; remove from skillet.
- Sauté sliced bell peppers until tender; add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet; mix in green beans, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, ginger (if using), and crushed red pepper. Stir well.
- Serve hot over rice or use as filling for lettuce wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
