Description
A flavorful Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry tossed in a sweet Thai chili sauce. Tender chicken thighs are coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to crispy perfection, then stir-fried with crisp-tender green beans and bell peppers. The dish is finished with a fragrant combination of garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce for a quick and delicious meal perfect over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 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)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil), divided
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add cornstarch and mix until the chicken pieces are fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the chicken pieces in the skillet until crispy and golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté the bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add green beans and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet with veggies. Add sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper. Stir until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions as desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
- Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but frozen steamed green beans work well too.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.
- Optional garnishes include toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
