30-Minute Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces and crisp green beans come together with a flavorful sauce that packs just the right amount of zing. It’s fresh, colorful, and super satisfying without taking hours to make.
I love making this stir-fry because it’s so easy to customize. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a little extra garlic for a bolder flavor. The green beans stay nice and crunchy, which I think makes the dish really fun to eat. Plus, having it ready in about 30 minutes means I don’t have to stress about dinner after a long day.
My favorite way to enjoy this meal is over a bed of steamed rice or even noodles. It’s great for using up veggies in the fridge, and it always feels like a healthy, homemade dinner option. Whenever I make this stir-fry for friends or family, it’s a guaranteed hit because it’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean meat, but thighs add more flavor and stay juicy if you prefer. You can also swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give a nice crunch and bright color. If fresh aren’t available, frozen green beans work well too—just thaw and drain before cooking.
Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce create a balanced sweet, salty, and umami flavor. For a vegetarian version, use mushroom soy sauce and a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.
Spices & Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger provide a warm, zesty base. If you don’t have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh is best! The red chili adds heat—you can skip it if you prefer milder food.
How Do You Keep the Green Beans Crisp but Cooked Just Right?
The secret is to stir-fry green beans quickly over relatively high heat so they stay crunchy and bright green, instead of getting mushy.
- Trim and cut green beans into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat oil and aromatics first, then add green beans. Stir often to coat and cook evenly.
- Cook green beans for about 4-5 minutes; you want them tender but still have a little snap.
- If they’re cooking unevenly, sprinkle a tiny splash of water and cover the pan for 30 seconds to steam gently.
Doing this keeps their fresh flavor and perfect texture in your stir-fry every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for quick, even cooking and tossing ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – lets you stir without scratching your pan.
- Sharp knife – makes cutting chicken and green beans faster and safer.
- Cutting board – provides a stable surface for chopping your ingredients.
- Small bowl – to mix your sauces and cornstarch slurry smoothly before adding.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or firm tofu to change up the protein and keep it easy.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and a pop of color.
- Stir in chopped peanuts or cashews just before serving for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Use sriracha or chili paste instead of fresh chili for a spicier kick anytime.
30-Minute Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil works great)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional, if you like some heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (keep a bit for garnish)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. It’s quick enough to make any busy night dinner simple and tasty.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Everything Ready:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Trim your green beans and cut them into 2-inch lengths. Mince the garlic and ginger, slice your chili and green onions, and mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Take it out and set aside.
3. Cook Aromatics and Green Beans:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and red chili pepper, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then add the green beans and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp and a bright green.
4. Bring It All Together:
Put the chicken back into the skillet along with the sliced green onions. Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the chicken and green beans.
5. Thicken the Sauce and Finish:
Pour in the cornstarch and water mixture and stir quickly to help the sauce thicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken and green beans well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your stir-fry piping hot over steamed white rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and some extra sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy your delicious and colorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen green beans fully and drain any excess water before stir-frying. This helps keep the dish from becoming soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce alone or mix soy sauce with a little mushroom sauce or a dash of sugar for a similar savory-sweet flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the chicken tender and green beans crisp.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or additional soy sauce for a meat-free version.
