After recreating this Panda Express String Bean Chicken recipe in my kitchen, I couldn’t wait to share just how delighted I was with the results. The tender chicken, crisp green beans, and savory sauce combined to deliver the perfect homemade version of this takeout classic.
The best part? It’s healthier, quick to make, and just as flavorful as the restaurant version. Grab your apron and let’s recreate this delicious dish right at home!
Credit: iheartumami
Ingredients
This recipe comes together with simple ingredients you can easily find at the store. Here’s everything you need and why each ingredient makes a difference in your dish.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Slice thinly for tender, juicy bites. Skinless and boneless options work best.
- Coarse sea salt (½ tsp): Adds flavor and enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle kick that pairs well with the sauce.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Helps tenderize the chicken for that restaurant-quality texture.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to coat the chicken for a perfect pan-sear.
- Coconut aminos (1 tbsp): A soy sauce substitute, slightly sweeter and lower in sodium.
- Tapioca starch (1 tsp): Helps thicken the sauce while keeping ingredients gluten-free.
- Grated garlic (4 cloves) and ginger (0.25 oz): These aromatics bring depth to the dish.
- Chicken stock (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Peach or orange jam (1-1.5 tbsp): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- French petite green beans (½ lb): Crisp and tender; trim them into bite-sized lengths.
- Yellow onion (3 oz): Adds a delicate sweetness to the stir-fry.
- Avocado oil (2.5 tbsp): Perfect for high-heat cooking. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying.
Note: This recipe serves four. Adjust ingredient quantities for larger or smaller gatherings.
Variations
Love to experiment? Here are some fun variations to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Make it spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or drizzle some hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable swaps: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas make great substitutes for green beans.
- Low-sodium alternative: Use low-sodium chicken stock and soy sauce.
- Sweeter sauce: Add a little more jam if you love a hint of sweetness.
For a creamy and hearty side, consider pairing this dish with Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta for a complete meal.
Cooking Time
This recipe is quick and perfect even for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s the equipment that makes cooking this dish a breeze.
- Large skillet or wok: For searing chicken and stir-frying the vegetables.
- Microwave-safe bowl: To pre-cook green beans quickly.
- Sharp knife: Ensures evenly sliced chicken and veggies.
- Spatula: Helps in flipping chicken slices and mixing the stir-fry.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking the sauce ingredients.
How to Make Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe?
If you’ve got 20 minutes, you’ve got time to make this. Follow these simple steps for a hassle-free cooking experience.
Prepare the green beans
Begin by trimming your green beans into three-inch sections. Quickly blanch them in the microwave with a splash of water for about 90 seconds. This step ensures they maintain their crisp texture when stir-fried. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Season the chicken
Slice your chicken breast thinly, about ¼-inch thick. Combine it with baking soda, garlic powder, tapioca starch, and a pinch of salt. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Place it in the fridge to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Whisk the sauce
Mix the coconut aminos, chicken stock, grated garlic, grated ginger, and jam in a small bowl. Adjust the sweetness level based on your preference. Set it aside for the final step of cooking.
Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Stir-fry veggies
Using the same pan, add avocado oil and toss in the onions. Saute until they’re translucent, about 1 minute, then add the green beans with a pinch of sea salt. Stir for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine and finish
Pour the sauce into the skillet, then return the chicken and its juices to the pan. Turn the heat to high and toss everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. Take the pan off the heat and serve immediately.
Credit: ricelifefoodie
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Based on my experience, a few extra adjustments can elevate this dish even more.
- Use French petite green beans for the best crisp-to-tender texture.
- Keep your skillet hot throughout cooking to achieve nice searing and prevent steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can make your vegetables mushy. Work in batches if necessary.
- Pre-chop and measure all ingredients before heating the skillet to ensure smooth cooking.
How to Serve Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe?
Presentation matters! Plate this dish with fluffy jasmine rice for a classic pairing or serve with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped scallions for added color and crunch. For another flavorful twist, you can try this recipe with Chicken Marsala Recipe, which offers a rich and savory profile.
Nutritional Information
This homemade version is both delicious and nutritious. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approx. 321
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 16g
Make Ahead and Storage
Keep your dish fresh with these handy tips.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: Place in freezer-safe containers, though the green beans might lose their crispness after defrosting.
- Reheating: Use a microwave or a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until evenly warmed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish has everything to please your palate and your busy schedule.
- Quick and easy: Done in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Healthier alternative: Less oil and sugar compared to the restaurant version.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs or taste.
- Crowd favorite: A balanced blend of protein and veggies makes everyone happy.
- Meal prep-friendly: Tastes great even after storing, perfect for making ahead.
The Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe is a fantastic addition to your cookbook, offering vibrant flavors, healthy ingredients, and the ease of preparing it in your own kitchen. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a family favorite you’ll keep coming back to! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe
After recreating this Panda Express String Bean Chicken recipe in my kitchen, I couldn't wait to share just how delighted I was with the results. The tender chicken, crisp green beans, and savory sauce combined to deliver the perfect homemade version of this takeout classic.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Slice thinly for tender, juicy bites. Skinless and boneless options work best.
- Coarse sea salt (½ tsp): Adds flavor and enhances the chicken's natural taste.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle kick that pairs well with the sauce.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Helps tenderize the chicken for that restaurant-quality texture.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to coat the chicken for a perfect pan-sear.
- Coconut aminos (1 tbsp): A soy sauce substitute, slightly sweeter and lower in sodium.
- Tapioca starch (1 tsp): Helps thicken the sauce while keeping ingredients gluten-free.
- Grated garlic (4 cloves) and ginger (0.25 oz): These aromatics bring depth to the dish.
- Chicken stock (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Peach or orange jam (1-1.5 tbsp): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- French petite green beans (½ lb): Crisp and tender; trim them into bite-sized lengths.
- Yellow onion (3 oz): Adds a delicate sweetness to the stir-fry.
- Avocado oil (2.5 tbsp): Perfect for high-heat cooking. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying.
Instructions
- Begin by trimming your green beans into three-inch sections. Quickly blanch them in the microwave with a splash of water for about 90 seconds. This step ensures they maintain their crisp texture when stir-fried. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Slice your chicken breast thinly, about ¼-inch thick. Combine it with baking soda, garlic powder, tapioca starch, and a pinch of salt. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Place it in the fridge to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Mix the coconut aminos, chicken stock, grated garlic, grated ginger, and jam in a small bowl. Adjust the sweetness level based on your preference. Set it aside for the final step of cooking.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Using the same pan, add avocado oil and toss in the onions. Saute until they're translucent, about 1 minute, then add the green beans with a pinch of sea salt. Stir for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet, then return the chicken and its juices to the pan. Turn the heat to high and toss everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. Take the pan off the heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use French petite green beans for the best crisp-to-tender texture.
- Keep your skillet hot throughout cooking to achieve nice searing and prevent steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can make your vegetables mushy. Work in batches if necessary.
- Pre-chop and measure all ingredients before heating the skillet to ensure smooth cooking.
