Description
Recreate the iconic, savory-sweet string bean chicken recipe from Panda Express right in your kitchen with this easy and flavorful guide. Enjoy tender chicken and crisp green beans coated in a luscious, garlicky sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- For chicken marinade: 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- For the sauce: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp granulated sugar, ½ cup chicken broth or water
- For cornstarch slurry: 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp cold water
- Optional: ½ tsp sesame oil (for finishing), red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda. Mix well and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Blanch Green Beans: Boil salted water, add green beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath, then drain.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water for the slurry.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add marinated chicken to the pan (in batches if needed) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour sauce mixture into the pan. Bring to a simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry until thickened and glossy.
- Finish Dish: Return green beans and cooked chicken to the pan. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Drizzle with sesame oil if using. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 15 min marinade)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes