If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and exciting, you’re going to love this Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and a sweet, tangy chili sauce that just wakes up all your taste buds. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a colorful plate, this stir fry brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors in a way that’s downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the rich flavor and satisfying texture that make this dish a standout. From the tender chicken thighs to the crunchy green beans and the sweet and spicy chili sauce, everything comes together beautifully.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, these pieces stay tender when stir-fried compared to leaner cuts.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken that locks in moisture and adds texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil), divided: For cooking—using a neutral oil helps the other flavors shine.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color, balancing the heat of the sauce.
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Provides a satisfying crunch and a fresh, grassy flavor that complements the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of aromatics that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional): Adds warmth and a subtle zing, perfect alongside the sweet chili sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor for a deeper savory note.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for spice): Introduces a gentle kick if you like your stir fry with a bit of heat.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: A nutty aroma that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce: The star of the dish, this sauce perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, coating the chicken and veggies deliciously.
How to Make Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, toss the diced chicken in a bowl with a tablespoon of oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The oil and seasonings help the chicken absorb flavor, while adding the cornstarch last ensures each piece gets coated with a light layer that crisps up beautifully when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok. Cook the chicken in batches over medium-high heat until each piece turns golden and crispy on all sides. This step locks in juices, creating tender bites with a wonderful texture contrast. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to keep it warm.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the sliced red bell pepper. Sauté until it softens just slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the green beans and stir-fry for another 4 to 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and optional ginger, cooking quickly until fragrant. This slow build-up releases layers of vibrant flavor and retains the snap of the green beans.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet along with the cooked vegetables. Pour in the sweet Thai chili sauce and drizzle the sesame oil over everything. Add crushed red pepper for a mild heat lift if you like. Stir well, making sure every bite is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce, creating a harmony of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Serve
Delicious served piping hot over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add a playful crunch and an extra pop of color that makes this dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions bring another dimension to your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe. They add visual appeal and subtle bursts of texture and flavor that elevate each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs exceptionally well with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sweet chili sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Steamed dumplings or spring rolls also compliment the dish if you’re going for an Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your stir fry over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or toss it with cooked udon noodles for a comforting noodle bowl. On a weeknight, even serving it in lettuce wraps adds freshness and hands-on enjoyment for everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe, simply transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. These will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to reheat and enjoy for a quick meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the integrity of the chicken and vegetables. Adding a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce can help revive the sauciness and keep everything moist. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the green beans soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful when cooked fast at high heat. If you use breast, cook carefully to avoid drying out.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and increase the veggies for a delicious vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Where can I find sweet Thai chili sauce?
Sweet Thai chili sauce is widely available in most grocery stores, typically in the Asian foods aisle. You can also try making a homemade version with simple ingredients like sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes for a fresh twist.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead and store them separately. Just combine and cook quickly when ready to eat to keep the veggies crisp and chicken tender.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
No worries! Simply omit the crushed red pepper from the recipe. The sauce itself has a nice sweetness that balances perfectly without added heat.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe truly hits the spot when you want something flavorful, fresh, and satisfying without fuss. The blend of tender chicken, crunchy green beans, and that gorgeous sweet chili sauce creates a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry with Sweet Chili Sauce is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy, golden chicken thighs sautéed with fresh green beans and red bell pepper, all coated in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir fry balances tender veggies and juicy chicken with a hint of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil), divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or use frozen, steamed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for spice)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then add the cornstarch and mix thoroughly until each chicken piece is fully coated, which will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, ensuring not to crowd the pan, until each piece is crispy and golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add more oil if necessary. Sauté the sliced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the green beans and continue stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sweet Thai chili sauce and sesame oil, add crushed red pepper if using, and stir everything together until every piece is coated evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, but thighs provide juicier results.
- Frozen green beans can be used, but fresh ones are preferred for better texture.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to suit your taste for sweetness and heat.
- Serve with jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
