Chicken and string beans recipe – can it get any more classic than that? I love this combo because it’s incredibly healthy, super easy to make, and adaptable to your desired flavors.
Whether you want a zippy stir-fry, a cozy one-pan bake, or something slow-cooked and ridiculously tender, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get cooking!
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Key takeaways
- Chicken and string beans are a super healthy and delicious combo.
- Cooking methods like stir-frying, baking, and slow cooking all yield tasty results.
- Flavor variations are endless – get creative with Asian, spicy, lemony, or herby options!
Chicken and String Beans Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Typical Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 1 pound (boneless, skinless) | Breasts or thighs work well |
| String beans | 1 pound | Fresh or frozen, ends trimmed |
| Oil | 1-2 tablespoons | Olive oil, vegetable oil, or other neutral oil |
| Onion | 1/2 cup, chopped | |
| Garlic | 2-3 cloves, minced | |
| Soy sauce | 2-3 tablespoons | Tamari for gluten-free |
| Honey or sweetener | 1-2 teaspoons | Optional, for a sweet and savory flavor |
| Spices and Herbs | Varies by recipe | Ginger, black pepper, red pepper flakes, etc. |
Preparation Steps
- Prep: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Trim string beans. Chop onion and mince garlic.
- Marinade (optional): Combine chicken with desired marinade ingredients (soy sauce, spices, etc.) and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics and Beans: Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant. Toss in string beans and cook until crisp-tender.
- Combine and Sauce: Return chicken to the pan. Mix in desired sauce ingredients and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Add optional garnishes (sesame seeds, fresh herbs) and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Different Methods of Cooking Chicken and String Beans Recipe
Here’s the thing: you can make a fantastic chicken and string beans dish using tons of different methods. Here are my favorites:
Stir-fry
Stir-frying is my go-to for a quick, weeknight meal. The high heat of a wok or a large skillet gives both the chicken and beans that slightly charred, super flavorful finish. A classic sauce with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger is always killer, but there are countless yummy variations.
Baking
Baking is where it’s at when you want a hands-off meal. Toss your chicken and green beans with your favorite marinade or seasonings, spread everything on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the work. This method turns out super tender chicken!
Slow Cooking
If you have a bit more time and crave fall-apart chicken with deeply infused flavors, a slow cooker is your best friend! Add all the good stuff – maybe some potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful broth – and let those flavors mingle for hours.
Chicken and String Beans Recipe Flavor Variations
One of the best things about chicken and string beans is that you can change up the flavors in so many ways. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Asian-inspired
Think classic flavors like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a splash of sesame oil, and maybe even a drizzle of teriyaki sauce near the end. It’s takeout-level delicious, but way healthier when you make it at home!
Lemon Garlic
Citrusy, bright, and garlicky – what’s not to love? Combine lemon juice with white wine, a bunch of garlic, some fresh herbs, and a bit of butter for a sauce that’s both light and satisfying.
Spicy
Add a kick with your favorite hot sauce, chili flakes, or a diced jalapeño if you like it extra fiery. Don’t forget other spices like cumin or smoked paprika – they offer fantastic flavor depth alongside the heat.
Sweet and Savory
Think honey garlic, brown sugar, balsamic glaze – that kind of thing! It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.
Herbs and Spices
Get creative! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano are always delicious. Play with spice blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a simple curry powder.
Types of Recipes
1: Classic Chicken and String Beans Stir-Fry
Ready for some action? This classic stir-fry is simple, satisfying, and on the table in no time.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 1 pound boneless, skinless breasts or thighs | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon | |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| String Beans | 1 pound | Trimmed |
| Onion | 1/2 cup | Chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece | Peeled and grated |
Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup | |
| Rice Vinegar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon | |
| Sesame Oil | 1 teaspoon | |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, for a touch of heat |
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Heat things: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your skillet or wok over high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides (you may need to work in batches). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Veggie time: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Throw in the string beans, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beans are crisp-tender.
- Bring it all together: Return the chicken to the pan along with the sauce. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional) and dig in! Serve hot with your favorite rice or noodles.
2: One-Pan Baked Chicken and String Beans
This method is all about minimal effort, and maximum flavor. Let the oven do the work!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs) | 1 pound |
| String beans (fresh or frozen) | 1 pound (trimmed) |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and string beans and toss to coat them well.
- Bake: Spread everything in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and beans are tender.
- Serve: Enjoy hot and fresh from the oven!
Tips for Perfect Chicken and String Beans
Want to nail this dish every time? Keep these tips in mind:
Chicken Selection
- Stir-frying: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces work best.
- Baking: Bone-in pieces hold up well, but boneless works too!
- Slow cooking: Bone-in thighs deliver fantastic flavor and stay super moist.
String Bean Preparation
- Trim ’em: Snip off the tough stem ends of your beans.
- To blanch or not: Honestly, it’s up to you! Blanching gives you those bright green beans but adds a step.
Achieving the Right Texture
The worst is mushy string beans! Avoid overcooking them – they should be tender but still have a little crispness to them.
Doneness Indicators
- Chicken: No pink, and the juices should run clear when pierced. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F (74°C).
- String Beans: They should be a vibrant color and easily pierced with a fork.
Garnishes and Serving Suggestions
- Sesame seeds: A classic for a reason!
- Chopped nuts: Toasted peanuts or almonds add a nice crunch.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro or basil adds a pop of freshness.
- Serving ideas: Rice, noodles, mashed sweet potatoes – go wild!
Nutritional Information
Chicken and string beans are a nutritional powerhouse! Let’s break it down:
| Nutrient | Amount (per 1 cup serving) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | 11% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Fat | 8g | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 30% | |
| Vitamin K | 40% | |
| Vitamin A | 20% | |
| Iron | 15% |
FAQs
Can I use frozen string beans?
Absolutely! They’re a great time-saver. No need to thaw them first – just toss them directly into your stir-fry or bake. They might release a bit of extra moisture, but that’s no biggie.
What other vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers (any color)
Sliced carrots
Broccoli florets
Mushrooms
Baby corn
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
It’s easy! Substitute the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Cut it into similar-sized pieces and marinate or season it just like you would the chicken. Vegetable broth is a great substitute for any chicken broth used in recipes.
How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Leftovers will be kept for about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheating is best done in a skillet or the oven to avoid making the string beans mushy. A microwave will work in a pinch, but use a low-power setting.
How can I adjust the spice level?
It’s all about personal preference! Decrease or omit the red pepper flakes in the stir-fry sauce. For the baked version, choose a milder seasoning blend or add a touch of cayenne pepper for a kick. You can always spice things up at the table with your favorite hot sauce!
Can I use a different type of protein in this dish?
Of course! Shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or even ground chicken (for a stir-fry) would all be delicious. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Are there any gluten-free adaptations I can make?
Definitely! To make the stir-fry gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Make sure any broths used are also labeled gluten-free. For the cornstarch in the stir-fry, you can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
Chicken and String Beans Recipe Conclusion
Chicken and string beans are a classic combo for a reason. Not only are they a healthy and satisfying meal, but they’re also endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fiery stir-fry, a savory baked dish, or a slow-cooked delight, there’s a perfect recipe out there for you.
With so many variations in flavors and cooking techniques, you can make chicken and string beans a staple on your meal rotation and never get bored.
Get creative in the kitchen, have fun, and enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish!
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