Copycat Panda Express String Bean Chicken: A Quick and Healthy Stir Fry

Recreate the magic of Panda Express at home with this String Bean Chicken Stir Fry recipe. Tender chicken, crunchy string beans, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce come together for a quick, flavorful meal that’s healthier and fresher than takeout. Add bell peppers or onions for extra color and texture, and serve with steamed rice for the perfect family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups fresh string beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced (optional, for color)
• 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken : Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken with salt and black pepper, then add it to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables : In the same skillet, add the string beans, optional red bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet, cover, and steam the vegetables for 2 minutes.
4. Combine Everything : Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
5. Serve : Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Conclusion

This Copycat Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. It’s quick to prepare and versatile enough to customize with additional vegetables or spice. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table.