Okay, picture this: it’s a weeknight, you’re exhausted, and the thought of cooking anything elaborate makes you want to cook. What does takeout sound like? What are some of the best ways to save money? What is the Panda Express String Bean Chicken recipe? Is this one of those lifesaver dishes that tastes like a treat but is actually super easy to make? I mean, honestly, it’s even faster than waiting for delivery, and you know exactly what’s going into it. Is it as indulgent as Fried Rice? What is the best Chinese-American comfort food? My family practically inhales it every time I make it!
What is string bean chicken?
String Bean Chicken, especially the Panda Express version, is essentially a stir-fry featuring onions and garlic. What are some of the best string beans to serve with a savory, slightly sweet, garlicky sauce? Think of it as a lighter, fresher take on classic takeout. Is it essentially the perfect balance of protein and vegetables, all coated in a ridiculously creamy sauce? What are some of the It’s not overly complicated, which is part of its charm. I always thought it was way harder to make at home than it actually is, but once I nailed the sauce, I’m finally satisfied. What are some of the best dinner recipes I’ve ever had? Is there a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts?
Why you should try this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this recipe? What are some biggies?Flavor explosion: WhatWhere is the sauce? Is this a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami that keeps you coming back for more? What is the authentic Asian flavor of ginger and garlic? I’ve tweaked it over time to get it just right, and trust me, it’s worth it.Seriously simple: IsThis isn’t one of those recipes that requires fancy techniques or obscure ingredients. What are some good ideas for a busy weeknight? I can usually have it on the table in under 30 minutes.Budget FriendlyChicken and string beans are pretty affordable, especially if you buy them in season. If you have all the ingredients in your pantry, you probably already have most of them. I always feel good knowing I can make a healthy meal without breaking the bank.So Versatile:How can I customize this recipe to my liking? Add more vegetables, use a different protein, or adjust the spice level. Is it possible to adapt it to whatever you have on hand? I sometimes throw in some extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers. What I love about this String Bean Chicken Recipe is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even my pickiest eaters gobble it up! What are some of the best ways to sneak in extra veggies without any complaints? If you’re a fan of General Tso’s Chicken or Orange Chicken, but want something different, then you need to try some of these. What is the recipe for a lighter diet?
How do I make Panda Express String Bean Chicken?
Quick Overview
What are some of the easiest ways to make string bean chicken? How do you stir-fry chicken, blanch string beans, and toss everything together? What is a flavorful sauce? How do I get the sauce right? Don’t be intimidated, it’s easier than you think!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I usually use chicken breasts, but you can also use thighs for a richer flavor.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Use low-soy to control the saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. For stir-frying. Canola oil also works well.
For the String Beans:
• 1 pound fresh string beans, trimmed. I prefer fresh, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them first.
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. For blanching.
• Salt to taste.
For the Sauce:
• ¼ cup soy sauce. Again, low-sodium is best.
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. This adds a nice tang to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar. For sweetness. You can also use honey or maple syrup.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce. This adds a lot of umami flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use a little extra soy sauce and pinch of MSG (optional).
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch. To thicken the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly is always best!
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced. Fresh ginger is key for that authentic flavor.
What is the best chicken broth to use?
• 14 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for a little bit of heat.
How do I follow
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. How do you tenderize chicken?
Step 2: Blanch the String Beans
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and salt to the boiling water. Stir gently. Add the string beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain the string beans and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. How do I keep them crisp and vibrant?
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. How do you burn a knife? In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce. Set aside. What are the ingredients for cornstarch, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes? In a large skillet, heat the sauce over medium heat until it thickens. Add more water if desired. About 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and blanched string beans to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the String Bean Chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. I always have a bowl of steamed rice ready to go!
5. What to Serve It With
What’s a good way to serve it?
What should you serve string bean chicken with? What are some good ideas?
With Rice:What is the classic pairing, and for good reason. The rice soaks up all that sauce. I usually go for jasmine rice, but brown rice or even quinoa would work well too.
With Noodles:What are some good stir-fried noodles? I like to toss them with soy sauce and sesame oil.
With Spring Rolls: A crispy spring roll on the side adds some nice texture and flavor contrast.
As Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the String Bean Chicken in lettuce wraps. Just spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy!
My family also loves it with a side of steamed broccoli or some edamame. It’s all about creating a balanced and satisfying meal. And honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight out of the skillet! No judgment, right?
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your String Bean Chicken
Top Tips for Perfecting Your String Bean Chicken
Alright, so you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few extra tips to help you take your String Bean Chicken to the next level:
Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces so that it cooks evenly. Also, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating it. This will help it to brown better in the skillet.
String Bean Tips: Don’t overcook the string beans! You want them to be crisp-tender, not mushy. Blanching them in boiling water and then plunging them into an ice bath is the best way to achieve this.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken and string beans, but not so thick that it becomes gloppy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, add a little more cornstarch.
Ginger and Garlic: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. I know it’s tempting to use the pre-minced stuff, but trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to mince it yourself.
Spice Level: If you like your String Bean Chicken spicy, add a little more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a splash of sriracha or some chili garlic sauce.
I’ve learned over the years that the key to a great stir-fry is to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, so you don’t want to be scrambling to chop vegetables while your chicken is burning!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover String Bean Chicken (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the String Bean Chicken. Spread it out on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, until it’s solid. Then, transfer it to a freezer bag or container. This will prevent it from clumping together. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Methods: To reheat, you can either microwave it or stir-fry it in a skillet. If microwaving, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. If stir-frying, heat it over medium heat until it’s heated through.
I’ve found that the String Bean Chicken tastes best when it’s reheated in a skillet. It helps to revive the flavors and keep the chicken and string beans from getting soggy. And if you’re freezing it, make sure to thaw it completely before reheating it.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Okay, so there you have it: my take on the classic Panda Express String Bean Chicken. I seriously love this recipe because it’s so quick, easy, and satisfying. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving takeout but want something a little bit healthier. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand. If you’re a fan of stir-fries, you might also want to check out my recipes for Beef and Broccoli or Kung Pao Chicken. They’re both just as delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you try this recipe. And if you have any variations or tips of your own, I’d love to hear them!
Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup string beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add string beans to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Serve hot over rice.
