Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe

Panda Express is a popular Chinese-American fast food chain known for its delicious and flavorful dishes. One of the standout items on their menu is the String Bean Chicken, which combines tender chicken breast, crisp string beans, and a savory sauce. This recipe is a perfect balance of healthy and hearty, making it a great choice for those who want a quick, nutritious meal at home. Whether you’re craving something fresh or looking to recreate a favorite takeout dish, this Panda Express String Bean Chicken recipe is sure to hit the spot.

In this guide, we’ll take you through each step to make a delicious, homemade version of this tasty dish. Plus, you’ll find helpful tips for variations, nutritional information, and expert suggestions to make your meal even better.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before you start preparing this recipe, make sure you have the right equipment for a smooth cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet works just as well. This will give you enough room to cook the chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping the chicken and vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients, ensuring accuracy and great flavor.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine your marinade and sauce.
• Tongs or Wooden Spoon: To stir-fry the ingredients without sticking.
• Strainer or Colander: For rinsing the string beans.

Ingredients

To make Panda Express String Bean Chicken at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breast (Boneless & Skinless) – 1 lb (about 2 breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• String Beans – 2 cups, trimmed and cleaned
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated or finely chopped
• Soy Sauce – 2 tablespoons
• Oyster Sauce – 2 tablespoons
• Chicken Broth – 1/4 cup (can substitute with vegetable broth)
• Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (for coating the chicken)
• Sesame Oil – 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable Oil – For stir-frying
• Brown Sugar – 1 tablespoon
• Rice Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – 1/4 teaspoon for added spice

How to Make Panda Express String Bean Chicken Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, making sure each piece is evenly covered.

Step 2: Prepare the String Beans
Wash and trim the ends off the string beans. You can break them in half if desired to make them easier to eat. Blanch the string beans by placing them in a pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green, then quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them crisp and vibrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well mixed. Set the sauce aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the string beans and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender yet still crisp. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, pour the sauce over the top, and toss everything together until the chicken and string beans are coated in the sauce.

Variations

While the Panda Express String Bean Chicken recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways to customize the dish based on your preferences or dietary restrictions:

• Add More Vegetables: You can enhance this dish by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Different Proteins: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist.
• Low-Sodium Option: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.

Cooking Note

For a crispier texture, you can deep fry the chicken pieces before adding them to the stir-fry. However, this will add more calories and change the overall flavor profile. Stir-frying the chicken as outlined gives it a juicy interior and a slightly crispy exterior without excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Steamed Rice: Serve this dish over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve it with stir-fried noodles or rice noodles.
• Side Salad: A refreshing cucumber or mixed green salad can balance out the savory flavors of the dish.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking chicken can make it dry and tough. Be sure to cook it just until it’s no longer pink inside, and it will remain juicy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh string beans and garlic will give your dish a vibrant and flavorful taste.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or brown sugar to match your preferred level of sweetness or saltiness.

Tips for the Best Panda Express String Bean Chicken

• Marinate the Chicken: If you have extra time, marinating the chicken in soy sauce and a bit of cornstarch for 20-30 minutes before cooking can enhance the texture and flavor.
• Use High Heat: Cooking at a higher heat ensures that the chicken and vegetables cook quickly, retaining their flavor and texture without becoming soggy.

Best similar recipes you may also like:

• Chicken Salad Chick Recipe
• Easy Tteokbokki Recipe
• Perfect Steak and Eggs Breakfast
• Hamburger Steak with Brown Gravy Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen string beans?
Yes, you can use frozen string beans if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that the oyster sauce is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Panda Express String Bean Chicken recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout right into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and quick cooking, you can create a delicious meal that is healthier and just as satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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