Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a savory and satisfying stir-fry featuring tender strips of chicken breast, crisp string beans, and onions tossed in a light garlic-ginger soy sauce. This quick and healthy dish is a popular Chinese-American takeout favorite that you can easily recreate at home in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a balanced flavor with just the right amount of umami and crunch.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast (thinly sliced)soy sauceoystersaucegingergarliccornstarchstring beansonionvegetable oilwaterblack pepper

directions

Marinate the sliced chicken breast in a mix of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a dash of water for 15–20 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and stir-fry the string beans and onions until they are crisp-tender, about 4–5 minutes.

Return the chicken to the pan and add oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a splash of water.

Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients evenly.

Season with black pepper to taste.

Serve hot with steamed rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3–4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesMarinating time: 15–20 minutesCooking time: 10–12 minutesTotal time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetables.

Use hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce for a sweeter taste.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of chicken is best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well depending on your preference for leanness or flavor.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but blanch them first to maintain a firmer texture before stir-frying.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s mild, but you can add spice if desired.

Can I skip the oyster sauce?

You can replace it with hoisin sauce or add extra soy sauce with a bit of sugar for depth.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.

Is this similar to the Panda Express version?

Yes, this copycat recipe closely mimics the flavor and texture of the original dish.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles pair perfectly.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Marinating with cornstarch and not overcooking helps retain tenderness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely, broccoli, carrots, or snow peas also work great.

Conclusion

Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a fast, flavorful, and healthier alternative to takeout that you can enjoy any night of the week. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a delicious garlic-ginger soy sauce, this dish is bound to become a staple in your home cooking routine. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—give it a try and bring the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen.