Chicken and Green Bean Stir-fry

4.82 from 16 votes
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This recipe is sponsored by Albertsons®.

This chicken and green bean stir-fry with savory garlic ginger sauce is a delicious weeknight dinner the whole family is going to enjoy. Searing pieces of lean white meat and fresh veggies in the wok makes the whole cooking process quick and easy.

chicken and vegetable dinner on a table

Preparing dinner doesn’t have to be a chore! For this recipe, I partnered with Albertsons® to show you how joyful and easy the process can be, from ingredient selection to serving this stunning dish. You can prepare this flavorful meal with their user-friendly Albertsons® Deal and Delivery app to help you save time and money when you are automatically enrolled in the Albertsons for U™ Member program. Win-win! Who doesn’t like a good deal, right?

When thinking about a quick meal to make for my family, this chicken and green bean stir-fry came to mind. It’s got protein and vegetables, all made in one pot, the wok, with quick add-ins and rhythmic stirring for an immersive cooking experience. It also allows the sauce to cook alongside the main ingredients for a sticky glaze that delivers even more savory flavor to each bite.

Jessica Gavin looking at her phone in the kitchen
cell phone displaying the Albertsons shopping app

Recipe shopping

To ensure successful results, it all starts with proper planning, so grab your phone. Open up the Albertsons® Deal and Delivery app to get started. I love how easy it is to quickly select all of the ingredients I need to make the stir-fry. It’s also convenient to browse the Albertsons for U™ personalized deals as I’m filling up the shopping cart.

I’m a big fan of saving on cash when I can. Since I’m an Albertsons for U™ member, I get customized savings and product recommendations based on my previous purchases. There are new perks coming to the app as well including a birthday treat and a free item every month for Members only. When you download the app you’re automatically enrolled in Albertsons for U™ – new Members can snag a welcome offer of $5 off your $25 or more purchase!

In just minutes, my list is ready. Then it’s off to my neighborhood store to pick up my groceries and see my favorite crew. Too busy to leave the house? No problem, choose to have your ingredients delivered! What’s nice is that with every purchase I make, I rack up new Rewards instantly. I’m usually delightfully surprised to see what savings I’ll score on my next visit. Now that I’ve filled up my cart, it’s time to head home to cook.

several ingredients in a shopping cart

Chicken selection

For a healthy lean protein, slice up pieces of boneless skinless breast. My top choice is O Organics® chicken from Albertsons®. Cut them into ½-inch thick strips crosswise against the grain to ensure tender bites. You can use chicken thighs as well, but just make sure to trim off the excess fat.

Marinate the chicken

I use a simple combination of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. The fermented and salty flavors in the soy sauce infuse into the surface of the chicken, increasing the umami taste. The cornstarch lightly thickens the marinade, helping it coat the chicken better and gives it a delicate crust when searing. The sesame oil has a deep nutty aroma that adds depth. All you need is a brief 15 minutes of marinating time to enhance the dish’s flavor.

ingredients to make a stir fry

Searing the meat

While using high heat, a wok can quickly sear the protein’s surface. You also use a stainless steel, cast iron, or nonstick cooking pan. I oil the pan with a high smoke point peanut oil, which also has a neutral flavor. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking. Place the sliced chicken in a single layer to allow more contact with the heat. 

Don’t move the chicken! Let them sear for a few minutes until golden brown. This process bumps up browning and flavor. Afterward, you can stir-fry until cooked thoroughly. Remove the chicken so that you have plenty of room to cook the vegetables.

chicken cooking in a wok

Blister the beans

To make prep quick, I use pre-packaged O Organics® green beans from Albertsons®. Since they have already been washed, just trim off the ends and cut them in half for smaller bite-sized pieces. Add the green beans to the wok and spread them out in a single layer, like the chicken. After a minute, the skin slightly blisters and browns. A few more minutes of stir-frying ensure that the centers are tender.

Add fresh aromatics

Fresh produce adds a burst of aromas to the stir-fry. I use fresh slices of red bell pepper and white onion to add a nice crisp texture. They only need a minute of cooking, as you want to retain their structure.

Stir-frying minced ginger and garlic deliver a pleasant spice to the dish. Always add these ingredients at the end of cooking for the most potent fragrance and prevent burning. The smells will fill up your kitchen like being at your favorite Chinese restaurant.

pouring stir fry sauce into a wok

Make a stir-fry sauce

Whip up a quick homemade stir fry sauce, which is a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock, rice wine, honey, and sesame oil. Then whisk in cornstarch to help thicken the consistency as it heats up in the wok. You even can make the sauce a week in advance to cut down on prep time.

Once you add the stir fry sauce, make sure to stir continuously. The agitation helps distribute the heat and separate the starch granules, to absorb the moisture and swell for a thick consistency. The watery liquid transforms into a glossy sauce that clings to the meat and vegetables in less than a minute.

Serve this with

chicken and green bean stir fry

FAQ

Can chicken thighs be used?

Yes! Chicken thighs tend to have more fat, so they stay moist and tender during the stir-fry process.

Can frozen green beans be used?

They may not blister as well since they have more moisture. Make sure to defrost them first, then dry thoroughly. Dry the surface so that it browns better in the pan. Reduce the cooking time to just two to three minutes, as the defrosting process makes the texture softer compared to fresh.

What can be used instead of oyster sauce?

Oyster sauce is intensely savory and sweet and contributes to a unique salty flavor. It enhances the taste of sauces for stir-fries with its umami-rich taste. Hoisin sauce is a good alternative. It has a similar consistency but with fermented soybeans as the base flavor. You can also use soy sauce, but it’s not as thick and has less dimension.

chicken stir fry served in a bowl with white rice

Recipe Science

Dry-heat cooking for more flavorful beans

Searing the beans in a hot pan with just oil, lightly fry them. Once the surface reaches 300°F (149°C), Maillard browning occurs, developing deeper flavors and a blistered, golden hue. Compared to moist-heat cooking like steaming or blanching, frying imparts much more flavor.

See the recipe below and download the new Albertsons® Deals and Delivery app and (game changer!) or visit Albertsons.com/foru for more info.

Chicken and Green Bean Stir-fry

A delicious weeknight dinner made of lean white meat and veggies that the whole family is going to enjoy.
4.82 from 16 votes
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Course Entree
Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients 
 

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch thick strips [O Organics® Brand]
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Stir-fry Sauce

  • ½ cup chicken stock, unsalted
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine, or mirin (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chicken Stir-fry

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
  • 20 ounces green beans, trimmed, halved crosswise [O Organics® Brand], about 5 cups
  • 1 cup red bell peppers, ¼-inch thick slices
  • ½ cup white onions, ¼-inch thick slices
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions 

Chicken Marinade

  • In a medium bowl, combine sliced chicken, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 ½ teaspoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Stir-fry Sauce

  • In a medium bowl, combine chicken stock, ¼ cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine (if using), and honey. Whisk in cornstarch until no lumps remain. Whisk in the sesame oil and set aside.

Chicken Stir-fry

  • Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Once hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the meat and stir-fry until no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate. Carefully wipe the inside of the pan with a paper towel.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil to the wok. Once hot, add the green beans in a single layer. Allow them to lightly brown for 1 minute, then sauté until bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the bell peppers and onion, sauté for 1 minute. Add garlic and ginger to the pan, stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Whisk the stir fry sauce. Make a well in the center of the pan, add the sauce and stir continuously until thickened, about 1 minute.
  • Add the chicken back to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until warm. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with peanuts (if using) and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Recipe Yield: 6 cups
  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Storing: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 4 servings
Calories 347kcal (17%)Carbohydrates 21g (7%)Protein 42g (84%)Fat 11g (17%)Saturated Fat 2g (10%)Polyunsaturated Fat 3gMonounsaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 1gCholesterol 109mg (36%)Sodium 1096mg (46%)Potassium 1118mg (32%)Fiber 5g (20%)Sugar 10g (11%)Vitamin A 2211IU (44%)Vitamin C 69mg (84%)Calcium 81mg (8%)Iron 3mg (17%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Albertsons®.

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Jessica Gavin

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

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4.82 from 16 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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11 Comments Leave a comment or review

  1. Judy says

    Will definitely try this. You look so beautiful in the photo where you are holding your phone. We shop at Albertsons all the time. We have a big marketplace in Meridian ID and they have everything.

  2. Maria T. says

    Made this last night. Huband gave it his stamp of approval for an appearance at another meal. There are a lot of ingredients but not too difficult to get together. Prep is the name of the game. I already had most of them. The sauce is really delicious. I could use the sauce recipe for other stir fry dishes. I’m thinking about shrimp. Every time I make one of your stir fry recipes I am SO happy I decided to get a good carbon steel wok.

  3. Kristin says

    I did try this recipe and both my husband and I really liked it. It made so much I was worried about leftovers holding up, since it is just the two of us at home. However, we just had leftovers today and they still carried the crunchy structure in the original dish. The stir-fry sauce was really flavorful. I wasn’t able to add the peanuts, but I think the added crunch will be perfect to try the next time. Another winner, Jessica!

  4. Michelle says

    Made this tonight for dinner with fresh green beans from our garden. Two bites in, my family enthusiastically said, “You can make this again anytime!” This recipe has the perfect mix of veggies and protein with a flavorful sauce. I’m definitely saving this recipe and will make it again!

    • Jessica Gavin says

      I’m thrilled to hear that the family enjoyed the stir-fry! Love that you are able to use fresh produce from your garden with a mix of ingredients from the store. Happy cooking!

  5. Kristin Fields says

    I plan to try this recipe after a trip to the grocery store. I used to use a prepackaged green bean and chicken stir-fry that is no longer available, so I hope this one will take its place. I will use low-sodium soy sauce to lower the sodium, which I always use in place of regular soy sauce.

    • Jessica Gavin says

      I can’t wait to hear what you think about this recipe, Kristin! I know you will love using the ingredients to make the stir-fry.