Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry

Have you wondered why green beans taste so good in Asian restaurants?

These restaurant string beans develop a beautifully charred, blistered skin thanks to a technique known as ‘dry frying’ or 'flash frying'. It’s similar to shallow frying—using just enough hot oil to quickly sear the surface. This high-heat method causes the green bean skin to blister and wrinkle without overcooking the inside, giving the beans that signature smoky, tender bite while keeping them vibrant and juicy inside.

Tips for Getting the Best Texture in Stir-Fried Green Beans

For the best stir-fried green beans, make sure to thoroughly pat them dry before cooking. This not only helps them sear and brown properly (instead of steaming), but also prevents oil from splattering dangerously when water hits the hot pan.

Also, fry the string beans for just 1 to 2 minutes, until the skins begin to wrinkle. This quick method keeps the centers tender with a light crispness. Avoid overcooking—too long in the pan and they’ll turn soft.

Why You’ll Love It

One-pan wonder – A complete meal with protein and veggies, perfect over a bowl of steamed rice.
Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Bold flavor – Coated in a deliciously sweet and spicy Asian-style stir-fry sauce.
Restaurant-style texture – The green beans are crisp-tender with that signature char you get from a Chinese restaurant

• Ground Chicken – Use one pound of ground or minced chicken. If you prefer, ground turkey is a great substitute.
• Green Beans – Cut fresh string beans into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. To save time, line up a bunch of beans on your cutting board and slice through several at once—it’s a huge time-saver!
• Aromatics (Onion, Garlic & Ginger) – These ingredients build the flavor base of the dish.
• Oil – Use a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or corn oil with a high smoke point.

• Soy Sauce – Adds a savory depth and necessary saltiness to the dish. Be sure to use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy, which tends to be more intense.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Often labeled as Thai or Asian sweet chili sauce, it’s made from red chilies, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and ginger, and gives the sauce that signature glossy, restaurant-style finish.
• Honey – Adds sweetness and balance the saltiness of the soy and the heat of the chili sauce. Maple syrup or white sugar can be used instead.
• Cooking Wine – Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) is the secret ingredient that adds authentic depth and complexity to Asian stir-fry dishes.
• Red Pepper Flakes – You can skip the red pepper flakes if you’re not into spicy food—but keep in mind, the sweet chili sauce and honey add a lot of sweetness, so a pinch of heat helps balance everything out beautifully.

How to make ground chicken and string beans?

You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

Storage & Reheating Tips

I love making a big batch of this chicken and string beans recipe—it’s just as delicious the next day and perfect for quick lunches! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat: Warm it in the microwave until hot, or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and bring back its glossy finish.

Meal prep tip: This chicken mince stir fry is ideal for meal prepping! Portion it out over rice in individual containers and refrigerate for easy, ready-to-go meals all week long.

More Asian chicken stir fry recipes

Looking for more flavor-packed dinners that come together in a flash? These Asian stir fries are quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or when that takeout craving hits.

• Spicy Hunan Chicken is a bold and fiery Chinese stir fry featuring tender chicken and colorful veggies tossed in a garlic-ginger sauce that brings serious heat.
• Sweet Chili Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry features tender chicken and crisp asparagus tossed in a sweet, spicy sauce that hits all the right notes.
• Ground Chicken Stir Fry is a weeknight lifesaver—ready in just 20 minutes and packed with flavor.
• Black Pepper Chicken features tender chicken and colorful peppers smothered in a rich, savory and bold black pepper sauce.