If you are searching for a delightful and vibrant meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing any flavor, the Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner in your weeknight dinner rotation. This dish boasts tender slices of chicken, crisp-tender green beans, and a luscious sweet chili sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. It’s a taste adventure loaded with texture and color, bringing bright flavors to your table with ease and making every bite crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients are the backbone of this recipe, each bringing a unique element that builds layers of flavor and texture; together they make a harmonious and colorful dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create a light coating that locks in moisture and gives the chicken a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Used for stir-frying to get that perfect sear and to keep the green beans crisp.
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed: Provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and sweet sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant base note that infuses the entire stir fry with savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a zesty, warm brightness that complements the sweetness of the chili sauce.
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient bringing a sweet heat that ties the dish together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness to balance the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness with a subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a toasty, nutty aroma and finishes the sauce with a rich note.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Add a lovely crunch and fresh pop of color as a finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken breast in cornstarch and a pinch of salt to coat each piece well. This step is the secret to achieving that lightly crisp, velvety texture that makes each bite so satisfying.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in a single layer for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can focus on the green beans.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Green Beans
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the green beans. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes to keep them tender yet crisp, which adds a fantastic texture contrast when combined with the chicken.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these fragrant aromatics just for 30 seconds—this quick step releases their flavors without burning, ensuring every bite is infused with their wonderful essence.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return your cooked chicken to the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this savory-sweet mixture over the chicken and beans, tossing everything together. Let it cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until everything is heated through and beautifully glazed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. These little touches add extra flavor and texture that make the dish feel special.
How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and sliced green onions not only gives the dish a lovely finishing touch but also introduces a bit of crunch and fresh, bright flavor. These garnishes elevate your presentation and add a gourmet feel easily at home.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles. The simple starches soak up the delicious sauce perfectly, making every forkful a delight. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe inside lettuce cups or as a filling for warm pita bread. You can also turn it into a vibrant bowl meal, layering rice, stir fry, and fresh herbs for a satisfying and beautifully arranged plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for delicious next-day meals or quick lunch options.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is an option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out excess air. It will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal fix.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth without drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans work well if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before stir-frying to avoid sogginess and to preserve the crunch.
Is this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can definitely be gluten-free if you select gluten-free soy sauce. Otherwise, traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so be sure to check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots make great additions that bring extra color, flavor, and nutrition. Just add them to the pan with the green beans and adjust cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is the sweet chili sauce?
Sweet chili sauce offers a gentle heat balanced by sweetness. If you prefer a spicier kick, mixing in sriracha or chili flakes when adding the sauce will boost the heat level to your liking.
What can I substitute for chicken breast?
Skinless chicken thighs are a juicy alternative that work beautifully in this recipe. They stay tender during stir-frying and add a richer flavor without changing the cooking process much.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together fresh green beans, tender chicken, and a luscious sweet chili glaze, the Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is a fantastic dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this vibrant stir fry will surely become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect blend of bold flavors and crisp textures all on one plate!
Print
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender slices of chicken breast are coated in cornstarch and stir-fried to a golden brown, then tossed with crisp green beans and a vibrant sweet chili sauce that balances heat and sweetness. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this stir fry is delicious served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Sauce
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Cooking Oil & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breast with cornstarch and a pinch of salt until the chicken is evenly coated. This helps achieve a crispy texture when stir-fried.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken slices in a single layer, cooking for 4–5 minutes until the pieces are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-fry the green beans: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet along with the trimmed green beans. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp, maintaining their fresh crunch.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and green beans. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing everything to heat through and the sauce to glaze the chicken and vegetables.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the stir fry for additional colorful vegetables.
- For extra heat, mix in sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes into the sauce before adding it to the pan.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
