String Bean Chicken Panda Express

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This String Bean Chicken Panda Express recipe is an absolute favorite of mine. It’s a fantastic way to bring that beloved Chinese takeout flavor right into your kitchen. Imagine tender slices of chicken breast and crisp green beans tossed in a savory soy ginger garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even for impressing guests at a casual gathering!

What I adore about this dish is how simple it is to prepare. Even on those hectic days, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to traditional takeout, so you can indulge without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll be on your way to enjoying this tasty dish in no time!
• Family-Friendly: This meal is sure to please everyone at the table, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.
• Versatile Dish: The recipe can easily be adapted with other vegetables or proteins, fitting various tastes and dietary needs.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering flavor that rivals your favorite restaurant.
• Healthy Takeout Alternative: Enjoy all the flavors of takeout without the extra calories and sodium.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful String Bean Chicken Panda Express at home, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Marinade

• 1 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless – cut against the grain into ¼ inch thick slices)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1½ tablespoons Mirin or cooking apple vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar

For the Sauce

• 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
• ¼ cup chicken stock or water

For the Stir-Fry

• 2 cups green beans (fresh string beans, washed and trimmed – cut into 2 inch pieces)
• 1 medium white onion (chopped into 1 inch wedges)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Feel free to use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a delicious twist.
• Add more veggies: Throw in bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for extra color and nutrition!
• Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños while stir-frying.
• Change the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make String Bean Chicken Panda Express

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing together all the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast and give it a good toss until everything is coated. Letting this marinate will infuse your chicken with so much flavor! If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak will work wonders.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. This step ensures that everything blends well when added to your stir-fry later. Setting it aside now means you’re ready to go when it’s time to cook!

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or pan over high heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan—this helps achieve that perfect golden sear! Cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute before flipping. Once browned on both sides, transfer it onto a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

In the same pan, toss in your green beans and chopped white onions. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re vibrant and slightly tender but still crisp. Reducing heat after this step allows everything else to come together without overcooking.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Now it’s time to return that beautifully cooked chicken back into the pan! Pour in your prepared sauce, stirring well. If you’d prefer less sauce, feel free to use about half—just remember to stir first since cornstarch likes to settle. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until that amazing sauce thickens up nicely.

Step 6: Enjoy!

And there you have it! Your homemade String Bean Chicken Panda Express is ready to serve! Pair it with steamed rice or noodles if you’d like—a delicious meal awaits you! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making String Bean Chicken Panda Express

Making this dish is a breeze, but with a few extra tips, you can elevate your home-cooked version to restaurant-quality!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and quality chicken breast will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Fresh ingredients typically have more nutrients and taste better.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches prevents steaming and helps achieve that delicious golden-brown sear. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate your chicken overnight if time allows; this intensifies the flavors. Additionally, chop all your veggies beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your preference. A bit more garlic or ginger can add a nice kick, while reducing sugar can make it less sweet.
• Serve Immediately: Stir-fried dishes are best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve right away for that perfect combination of crispy veggies and tender chicken.

How to Serve String Bean Chicken Panda Express

Presenting your String Bean Chicken beautifully not only makes it appealing but also enhances the dining experience. Here are some ideas for serving this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions on top for an added pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and a nutty taste that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing zing.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the savory sauce perfectly, making each bite satisfying.
• Fried Rice: For an extra treat, serve with fried rice loaded with vegetables; it’s filling and flavorful, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
• Egg Drop Soup: This light soup is easy to make and offers a comforting contrast to the stir-fry while adding warmth to your meal.
• Cucumber Salad: A crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar provides a refreshing crunch that balances the savory notes of the chicken.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to impressing family and friends with your homemade String Bean Chicken Panda Express! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This String Bean Chicken Panda Express is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy the dish within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, microwave in short increments, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make String Bean Chicken Panda Express vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein to create a delicious vegetarian version.

What other vegetables can I add to String Bean Chicken Panda Express?

Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli would all complement this dish nicely and add extra nutrition.

How can I adjust the sauce for String Bean Chicken Panda Express?

If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the soy sauce or oyster sauce slightly. For a sweeter taste, add a bit more brown sugar.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh for the String Bean Chicken Panda Express?

Yes, frozen green beans work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful String Bean Chicken Panda Express at home! It’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavors that will please your whole family. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations! Happy cooking!