Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is a simple, tasty dish that combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with crisp green beans all tossed in a sweet and flavorful honey…
Tip: save now, cook later.Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry is a simple, tasty dish that combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with crisp green beans all tossed in a sweet and flavorful honey garlic sauce. The sauce balances perfectly between sticky honey sweetness and a little garlic kick, making every bite satisfying and fresh.
I love making this stir-fry when I want something quick but still feel like a home-cooked meal. One of my favorite things about it is how the green beans keep their snap and color, adding a nice crunch to every forkful. It’s a great way to add some green to your dinner without much fuss.
My go-to way to serve this dish is over warm rice or noodles to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s also fantastic as leftovers because the flavors just get better the next day. Whenever I make this, it’s always a hit and one I find myself coming back to over and over.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs add juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give a crisp texture and vibrant color. If beans aren’t available, snap peas or asparagus can be great substitutes.
Honey: Honey brings natural sweetness and stickiness to the sauce. Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a different but still sweet flavor.
Soy Sauce: Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Tamari or coconut aminos are good gluten-free alternatives.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add brightness. Don’t skip them! If you’re short on fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger can work in a pinch.
How Do You Get the Best Texture on Chicken and Green Beans?
The secret to this stir-fry’s success is cooking chicken and green beans properly so they stay juicy and crisp:
- Chicken: Pat chicken dry before cooking to get better browning. Cook on medium-high heat without crowding the pan. Let pieces brown before stirring.
- Green Beans: Add green beans after the chicken is almost cooked. Stir-fry quickly so they stay bright green and crunchy. Avoid overcooking.
- Potatoes: If you use baby potatoes, parboil them first. This makes sure they cook through while staying firm and not mushy in the stir-fry.
These steps keep the dish balanced — tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a glossy sauce coating everything nicely without sogginess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for stir-frying chicken and green beans evenly without crowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you stir and toss ingredients without scratching your pan.
- Small mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the honey garlic sauce before adding it to the pan.
- Colander – useful for draining parboiled potatoes or rinsing green beans quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp to make a lighter, quicker-cooking version with a slightly sweet seafood flavor.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in chopped cashews or peanuts for a nutty texture that complements the honey garlic sauce.
- Use a splash of orange juice in the sauce for a citrus twist that brightens the dish.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup baby yellow potatoes, quartered (optional)
Sauce & Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty stir-fry will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. If you decide to use baby potatoes, add roughly 8 minutes for parboiling them first. Overall, plan for about 25-30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes (If Using):
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the baby yellow potatoes and cook for about 8 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside while you move on to the next steps.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce will give your stir-fry that perfect sweet and savory kick.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add your cut chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Let them brown, stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes until they’re cooked through and nicely caramelized.
4. Add Veggies and Potatoes:
Throw in the green beans and parboiled potatoes to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes, letting the beans stay bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Combine with Sauce:
Pour that delicious honey garlic sauce over your chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the stir-fry beautifully.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh finish. Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or your favorite noodles.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Add them to the skillet a bit earlier since they cook faster than fresh beans.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef strips work great in this dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while tofu benefits from a bit of extra browning.
Is There a Way to Make This Stir-Fry Spicier?
Sure! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce or sriracha when adding the sauce. Taste as you go to reach your preferred spice level.