Flavor Bomb Stir Fry: Chicken, Green Beans & Bell Peppers in Minutes
This stir-fry recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner option that's packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces are bathed in a sweet and slightly spicy chili sauce, complemented by crisp bell peppers and vibrant green beans. It's a quick, customizable dish that's perfect for busy schedules and guaranteed to please the whole family.
This stir-fry is a vibrant and flavorful medley of textures and tastes. The crispy, golden chicken mingles with the sweetness of the bell peppers, the snap of the green beans, and the tangy heat of the chili sauce. It's a well-balanced dish that's sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes (around 3-4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup vegetable oil, with additional 2 tbsp or more on hand if needed
- Vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers, any color combination you like, sliced into strips
- 1 cup steamed green beans (fresh or frozen)
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon grated ginger (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to your taste preference)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for desired spice level)
- ⅛ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (you can substitute with a stir-fry sauce)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken. Then, add the cornstarch and mix thoroughly until all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Tip: Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes helps tenderize it and ensures a crispy crust when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan (this helps maintain the heat and ensures crispy chicken), cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the pan seems dry during this process, feel free to add more oil as needed. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the pan and place it on a waiting plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers to the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened to your desired tenderness. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken, green beans, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and grated ginger (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and coats all the ingredients.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious chicken and green bean stir-fry over cooked rice.
Tips:
- Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables! This recipe is a great base for adding other stir-fry favorites like broccoli florets, snap peas, or baby corn.
- Protein Variation: Don't have chicken thighs on hand? You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or shrimp in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chosen protein.
- Spice Level: This recipe is mildly spicy. This recipe is mildly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Sauce Options: You can substitute the sweet chili sauce with a store-bought stir-fry sauce or create your own by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sriracha, and a touch of cornstarch.
- Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water) to the pan while stir-frying for the last minute of cooking.
This easy and flavorful chicken and green bean stir-fry is a perfect way to get a satisfying and delicious meal on the table in no time. With its customizable options and quick cooking time, it's sure to become a go-to weeknight dinner recipe!
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