This chicken and string bean stir fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this string bean chicken recipe is low in calories yet full of flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to enjoy chicken and string beans without extra saturated fat or processed sauces. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious string beans with chicken recipe or a high-protein meal, this stir fry is a delicious, family-friendly option ready in minutes!
Why you’ll love this string beans with chicken recipe
- Healthy: This low-calorie chicken and string bean stir fry is light yet satisfying, making it a perfect guilt-free meal for weight-conscious eaters.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean chicken and fresh string beans, this high-protein dinner supports muscle health while keeping you full longer.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Need a meal in under 30 minutes? This easy weeknight chicken and string beans recipe is simple to make and perfect for meal prep.
- Family-Friendly: A healthy, quick, and family-friendly chicken recipe, this dish is mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Immunity-Boosting: In this easy stir-fry recipe, the combination of turmeric black pepper chicken with string beans offers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re looking for a healthy chicken dinner or a simple chicken recipe for beginners, this recipe can be adapted. (Details in the recipe card at the end of this post.)
- Delicious Garlic Soy Flavor: Infused with aromatic garlic, this string bean chicken with garlic brings bold flavors without the need for heavy sauces or excess oil.
- Clean and Wholesome Ingredients – This string beans with chicken recipe avoids ultra-processed ingredients, keeping it fresh and naturally flavorful.
Let’s see how to make it:
Ingredients
(You can find the exact measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this page.)
- Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts, I recommend you tenderize them using this method.
- String beans: Also called long beans, they are commonly used in Chinese stir-fries.
- Spices: Turmeric, black pepper, chili powder and salt. You can substitute cayenne pepper for chili powder.
- Sauce ingredients: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey and vinegar. I’ve used black vinegar which has a stronger pungent flavor to balance the spices. If you don’t have it, you can use rice vinegar.
- Oil: Peanut oil for stir-frying and sesame oil to give a glossy finish to the sauce.
- Aromatics: Spring onions and garlic.
How to make string bean chicken
Marinate the chicken
Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with chili powder, turmeric, black pepper and salt.
Pierce the chicken with a fork to help absorb the marinade. Let it marinate for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Make stir fry sauce
In a small bowl, mix light soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey and black pepper. Keep aside.
Stir fry chicken and string beans
Finely chop the white parts of green onions. Mince garlic. Chop the string beans into roughly 2-inch long pieces.
Heat peanut oil in a wok or deep pan. Sauté the spring onions and garlic.
Once the onions start to brown, add the marinated chicken. Increase the flame and stir-fry the chicken on medium high heat.
Once the chicken turns opaque, add string beans. Stir for a couple of minutes.
Cover the pan and reduce the flame. Cook on medium heat for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Add stir-fry sauce
Open and check if the chicken and string beans are done. The string beans should be cooked, but still have a little bite to it. If not done, cover and cook for a couple more minutes.
Add the stir fry sauce and stir for a few minutes. Turn off the stove when the sauce becomes thick and the chicken and string beans turn saucy.
Garnish with chopped green parts of spring onions.
What to pair with chicken and string bean stir fry
Check out the notes in the recipe card at the end of this post to find out how to make this string bean chicken a complete meal.
Here are some healthy and delicious pairings for the chicken and string bean stir fry to create a balanced meal:
Grains & Carbs
- Red Rice/ Brown Rice – Check this recipe to learn how to cook red or brown rice the right way.
- Quinoa – Click here to know how to easily cook fluffy quinoa.
- Cauliflower Rice – See here to learn how to make the perfect cauliflower rice.
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice – A classic pairing if you prefer traditional white rice.
Vegetables & Sides
Protein Boosters
Health benefits of chicken and string beans recipe
- High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and keeps you full longer.
- Low in Calories: A light yet satisfying meal for weight management.
- Rich in Fiber: String beans aid digestion and promote gut health.
- Low in Saturated Fat: A heart-friendly alternative to fried dishes.
- Packed with Vitamins & Minerals: Provides vitamin C, K, and iron for immunity and bone health.
- Balanced Macronutrients: A great mix of protein, healthy carbs, and fiber.
- No Ultra-Processed Ingredients: Made with clean, wholesome foods.
- Supports Blood Sugar Control: Low-glycemic ingredients help stabilize blood sugar levels.
More easy weeknight chicken dinners
- Minced chicken stir fry, Thai-style
- Better-than-takeout sesame chicken
- Honey garlic lemon pepper chicken thighs
- Healthy fried bee hoon
- Chicken stir fry with red rice
String Bean Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken marinade
- 500 grams (18 ounces) boneless chicken (breasts, thighs or legs)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (or cayenne pepper)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Stir-fry sauce
- 1½ tablespoons light soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Others
- 1½ tablespoons peanut oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 – 4 stalks spring onions (green onions)
- 100 grams (4 ounces) string beans
STEP BY STEP IMAGES
Scroll back to find detailed recipe photos!
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
- Chop 500 grams (18 ounces) boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon black pepper½ teaspoon sea salt.
Make stir-fry sauce
- In a small bowl, mix 1½ tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon black vinegar, ½ tablespoon oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Keep aside.
Stir fry chicken and string beans
- Finely chop 3 – 4 stalks spring onions, keeping the white and green parts separate.
- Mince 3 cloves garlic. Chop 100 grams (4 ounces) string beansinto roughly 2-inch long pieces.
- Heat 1½ tablespoons peanut oil in a wok or deep pan. Sauté the spring onions and garlic.
- Once the onions start to brown, add the marinated chicken. Increase the flame and stir-fry the chicken on medium high heat.
- Cover the pan and reduce the flame. Cook on medium heat for about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Open the pan and check if the chicken and string beans are done. The string beans should be cooked, but still have a little bite to it.
- If not done, cover and cook for a couple more minutes.
Add stir fry sauce
- Add the stir fry sauce and stir for a few minutes.
- Turn off the stove when the sauce becomes thick and the chicken and string beans turn saucy.
- Garnish with chopped green parts of spring onions. Optionally, you can sprinkle some roasted peanuts or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Storing: The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. If you want to store longer, freeze it (keeps for 2 months).
- Making ahead: This string bean chicken can be made ahead and frozen in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
- Ingredients and substitutions
-
- Chicken: You can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts, I recommend you tenderize them using this method.
- String beans: Also called long beans, they are commonly used in Chinese stir-fries.
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- Chili powder: You can substitute with cayenne pepper.
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- Vinegar: I’ve used black vinegar which has a stronger pungent flavor to balance the spices. If you don’t have it, you can use rice vinegar.
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- Ginger: If you like ginger, add ½ teaspoon of grated ginger when you sauté garlic.
- Make it a complete meal:
- You can add more stir-fry veggies like Bok choy, carrots, bell peppers and broccoli.
- Slice them thinly and stir-fry with the string beans.
- Increase the amount of sauce accordingly. For 1 added cup of chopped vegetables, double the sauce.
- Serve with steaming hot rice.
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