String Bean Chicken

Ever since I first had the String Bean Chicken at Panda Express, I’ve been captivated by the delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tender strands of chicken mingling with crisp, bright green beans create a melody of taste that dances on your palate. One evening, after a hectic day, I decided to replicate that magic at home. As I prepared the ingredients, the familiar scents of garlic and toasted sesame oil filled my kitchen, transporting me back to the warm ambiance of my favorite takeout spot. The excitement of cooking this dish brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It’s amazing how a single recipe can evoke such vivid memories.

What to Buy for String Bean Chicken

When it comes to making String Bean Chicken, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Each component plays a significant role in creating that wonderful flavor profile. The combination of fresh green beans, chicken, and a savory sauce results in a delightful dish that is both hearty and healthy.

• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch: This thickens the sauce, giving it a perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons of soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil: Imparts a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 small boneless skinless chicken breast (about 8 ounces) cut into strips: The protein base that makes the dish satisfying.
• 1 tablespoon of oil: Use your favorite cooking oil for sautéing.
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion cut into 1/2-inch squares: Adds sweetness and depth to the veggie mix.
• 1/2 cup of water: Necessary for steaming and cooking the vegetables.
• 2 cloves of garlic minced: Enhances the aroma and flavor profile.
• 6 ounces of green beans trimmed and halved: The star vegetable, providing crunch and freshness.
• 1/2 of red bell pepper diced into 1/2-inch squares: Adds color and sweetness.
• Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors.
• White steamed rice: The perfect base for this dish.

Making This String Bean Chicken

Creating String Bean Chicken at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The process is easy, and the result is a delightful meal that will impress anyone sitting at your dinner table. Follow these steps to bring this fantastic dish to life!

1. Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. This mixture will tenderize the chicken while adding essential flavor. Once combined, place the cubed chicken into a disposable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat thoroughly and allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or as long as up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Next, heat a medium wok or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your choice of oil—this is what will give the chicken a lovely sear. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook it until it’s cooked through, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the vegetables.
3. In the same pan, return it to the heat and deglaze by adding a couple of tablespoons of the water. This will help lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about three minutes, until the onion starts to turn translucent around the edges, releasing its sweet aroma.
4. Now it’s time to add your green beans and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional three minutes, stirring frequently. The goal here is to achieve a tender yet crisp texture for the vegetables. If the mixture seems too dry, add in another couple of tablespoons of water as needed.
5. Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, stir in the previously cooked chicken. Cook just until the chicken is heated through again—this should take about one to two minutes. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
6. Finally, to serve, prepare individual bowls with a generous portion of white steamed rice and spoon the String Bean Chicken mixture over the top. Enjoy the dish hot, savoring all the lovely flavors!

Variations to Try

Experimenting with your String Bean Chicken can be a lot of fun! Here are some great variations to help you make this dish your own:

• Spicy Chicken: Add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Vegetable Medley: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over cooked noodles instead of rice for a delicious twist on the classic.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to enhance the flavors even further.
• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and portion it out for the week ahead.
• Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium soy sauce to make this dish a healthier option without compromising on flavor.

Serving Ideas for String Bean Chicken

When it comes to serving String Bean Chicken, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Rice Pairings: Serve over fluffy white rice, but for a healthier option, consider brown rice or quinoa.
• Side Salads: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is fantastic for taking to work or school. Pack it in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Adjust the vegetable mix according to the season. In spring, include asparagus, and in fall, try adding roasted pumpkin.
• Special Occasions: This dish is also elegant enough for special occasions. Serve it alongside steamed dumplings for a festive meal.
• Garnish: Top with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The String Bean Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant into your home. With its easy preparation and delicious taste, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try and discover how simple it is to create something truly special in your kitchen.

String Bean Chicken

Craving something flavorful and satisfying? This String Bean Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with crisp green beans in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dish will quickly become a family favorite. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 small boneless skinless chicken breast (about 8 ounces) cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon oil use your favorite cooking oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion cut into 1/2-inch squares
• 1/2 cup water divided
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 6 ounces green beans trimmed and halved
• 1/2 red bell pepper diced into 1/2-inch squares
• to taste Salt
• White steamed rice

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Place cubed chicken in a disposable plastic bag and pour mixture over the top. Toss to coat. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 12 hours.
2. In a medium wok or saute pan (with a lid), heat oil over medium high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook until cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Return pan to heat. Deglaze with a couple tablespoons of the water and add onion and garlic. Cook for three minutes, until onion just begins to turn translucent around the edges.
4. Add green beans and bell pepper and cook for another three minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the water, cover, and continue to cook until vegetables reach your desired level of doneness, adding more water as necessary, about 3 to 8 minutes.
5. Stir in chicken and cook just until chicken is hot. Salt to taste.
6. Serve over white rice.

Notes

• Panda vegetables are usually cooked until quite soft: This can take a little while on the stove. Just keep adding a couple tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, check and repeat if necessary.
• Toasted sesame oil: A popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. If you have regular sesame oil, you can toast the oil yourself or use it as is.
• Approximate nutritional information: Does not include rice.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.