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
Scale
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.
