Do you cook the meat or vegetables first in stir fry?

Always start with the meat first , especially when using raw chicken. Here’s why: It needs a longer cook time than vegetables. Searing it on high heat creates flavor through browning (called the Maillard reaction). Once cooked, you remove it to avoid overcooking while you stir-fry the vegetables. Once your veggies are nearly done, return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together with the sauce. That way, the meat stays juicy, and the veggies remain crisp. Pro Tip: If your pan is small or you’re making a big batch, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.

Can I make this dish ahead and store it?

Absolutely! Chicken and green bean stir fry is perfect for meal prep. It stores and reheats well, making it great for lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Storage tips: Let the stir fry cool completely before sealing in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days . For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months . Reheating tips: Reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long—it can dry out the chicken or make the green beans soggy.

What’s the best oil for high-heat stir frying?

High heat requires an oil with a high smoke point so it doesn’t burn and alter the taste of your food. The best oils for stir fry include: Avocado oil (neutral, high smoke point) Peanut oil (adds mild nutty flavor, great for Asian dishes) Grapeseed oil (clean taste, great all-purpose oil) Canola or sunflower oil (budget-friendly, widely available) Avoid extra virgin olive oil—it breaks down under high heat and can leave a bitter taste.

How do I make this dish kid-friendly or mild?

Not every little one is ready for bold spice. Here are easy ways to make it kid-approved: Skip chili flakes or sriracha in the sauce. Use a bit of honey or hoisin for a slightly sweeter flavor. Cut green beans into smaller pieces for easier chewing. Add a handful of mild veggies your kids love—like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli florets. Serve with plain rice to balance out flavors. Once they get used to it, you can gradually increase the flavor depth. Stir fry is a great gateway to introduce kids to fresh veggies and home-cooked meals. Looking for more easy-to-serve family meals? Check out our comfort food winner: Hearty Beef Stew Recipe —it’s filling, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection.

Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry – The Best 25-Minute Skillet Dinner

Description

A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender chicken and crisp green beans tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and stir fry until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and stir fry green beans for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Return chicken to the pan with the green beans.
Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Notes

You can blanch the green beans beforehand for even more tender texture. Adjust spice by adding chili flakes or sriracha.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, green beans, stir fry, easy dinner, quick meal