When time is tight but you still want something full of flavor, this chicken green bean stir fry is just the recipe to reach for. Packed with crispy chicken, crunchy green beans, and sweet chili sauce, it’s quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels just as satisfying as your favorite takeout, but with better ingredients and no delivery fee.
At the heart of this recipe is the belief that great meals don’t need to be complicated. This dish comes together with simple prep and everyday ingredients, but the flavor is big enough to make it feel special. It’s easy to love, easy to make, and even easier to clean up.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of meal that makes busy evenings easier without sacrificing taste.
Fast and fuss-free: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Crowd-pleaser: Sweet, mildly spicy, and full of texture.
Flexible: Works with different veggies and proteins depending on what you have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient brings something essential to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
Chicken Thighs
Thigh meat stays juicy and flavorful, even after cooking at high heat. It’s the ideal choice for stir frying because it resists drying out.
Cornstarch
This helps the chicken crisp up in the skillet. It forms a light coating that turns golden and delicious when cooked in oil.
Vegetable Oil
Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola, so it can handle the heat of stir frying without burning.
Bell Peppers
These add brightness, color, and a little sweetness. Sautéing them softens the texture and enhances their natural flavor.
Green Beans
You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. The key is drying them well to prevent extra moisture in the pan. Fresh beans give the best snap.
Garlic and Ginger
These two build a strong flavor foundation. Garlic adds depth, while ginger brings a gentle kick of spice.
Garlic Powder
Seasoning the chicken with garlic powder adds extra savory flavor before the meat even hits the pan.
Crushed Red Pepper
Use this to add just a touch of heat. It’s completely optional but nice for balance.
Sesame Oil
Just a dash adds that unmistakable nutty aroma that completes the dish.
Sweet Chili Sauce
The sweet, tangy, sticky sauce that pulls everything together. It coats the ingredients beautifully and provides the signature flavor.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
This dish comes together quickly, so be sure to prep all your ingredients ahead of time. Once the pan is hot, the process moves fast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped chicken with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once seasoned, add cornstarch and mix until each piece is evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken in Batches
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a portion of the chicken, being careful not to crowd the pan. Sear until the pieces are golden and crispy, turning as needed. Remove and repeat with the remaining chicken.
3. Sauté the Bell Peppers
Add sliced bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Reunite Chicken and Add Green Beans
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the green beans. Toss to combine all the ingredients.
6. Pour in Sauce and Finish Cooking
Add sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and everything is heated through.
7. Serve Immediately
Spoon over freshly steamed rice or noodles and enjoy while hot.
Helpful Tips
Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking for the best results.
Dry green beans and chicken well with paper towels to avoid steaming instead of searing.
If using canned green beans, add them at the end so they stay firm.
Thawed frozen green beans should be patted dry before adding to the pan.
Use a wide skillet or wok to give ingredients enough space to brown properly.
Details
Flavor: Sweet, savory, and just a hint spicy
Texture: Crispy chicken meets tender vegetables
Occasion: Weeknight dinner, lunch prep, or casual hosting
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations)
Swap the green beans for broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini.
Use chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives to chicken thighs.
Add roasted cashews or peanuts for a bit of crunch.
Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice depending on your needs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 616 kcal |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you keep green beans crisp in a stir fry?
Blanch or steam them briefly first, then dry well and add them toward the end of cooking.
What cut of chicken is best for stir fry?
Chicken thighs are best. They stay juicy and flavorful and don’t dry out as easily as breasts.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes, this stir fry uses sweet chili sauce instead of soy sauce, so you don’t need it at all.
What other sauces go well with chicken and green beans?
Aside from sweet chili, hoisin, teriyaki, or even a garlic oyster sauce work wonderfully.
Storage Instructions
Cool any leftovers before storing. Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. For freezing, portion into sealed containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Print
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry | Easy Weeknight Sweet Chili Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Juicy chicken thighs, green beans, and bell peppers tossed in sweet chili sauce make this easy stir fry a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 cup steamed green beans
1/2 tbsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp ginger (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp sesame oil
1 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
Instructions
1. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oil. Coat in cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Cook chicken in batches until crispy. Set aside.
3. Sauté bell peppers until softened.
4. Add garlic and ginger. Stir until fragrant.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Add green beans.
6. Pour in sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper. Stir to coat.
7. Cook until heated through. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Substitute with tofu or shrimp if desired. Pat green beans dry for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 616
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 43g
Conclusion
This chicken green bean stir fry is a game-changer for busy nights. It’s fresh, fast, and full of bold flavor — everything you want from a homemade meal. With a crispy bite of chicken in every forkful and just the right touch of sweetness, it’s the kind of dish that becomes a weekly favorite. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it for how simple and satisfying it is.