Craving that delicious Panda Express String Bean Chicken but don't want to leave the house? This easy recipe lets you recreate that savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender dish right in your own kitchen. It's a fantastic option for a quick dinner, a healthy weeknight meal, or even a fun weekend cooking project. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this homemade version of a beloved restaurant favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb fresh string beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when you stir-fry them. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This tenderizes the chicken and ensures a more flavorful outcome.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-fry the String Beans
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the string beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Don't overcook them!
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the wok. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken and string beans. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken and vegetables nicely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious homemade Panda Express-style string bean chicken immediately over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great example of how easy it is to create restaurant-quality food at home.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for longer—even up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- If your string beans are particularly thick, you may need to add a little more cooking time to ensure they're tender.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon or two of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
- Garlic Lover's Version: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of minced garlic.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water, and follow the same cooking instructions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This delicious and easy string bean chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the convenience of homemade cooking without sacrificing flavor or quality! Let us know in the comments how your Panda Express-inspired dish turns out!