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String Bean Chicken Breast (Panda Express Copycat)

string bean chicken breast Panda Express dish served with rice
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Tender, thin-sliced chicken breast, crisp green beans, and onions tossed in a glossy, savory brown sauce. Ready in ~20 minutes, this weeknight copycat keeps the takeout flavor while letting you control sodium and oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper

Stir-fry

  • 12 oz (340 g) green beans, trimmed
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1–1.5 tbsp neutral oil (split use)

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (finish)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1.5 tbsp water (slurry)

Instructions

    1. Marinate (10 min): Toss sliced chicken with soy, wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper.
    2. Blister beans (3–4 min): Heat 2–3 tsp oil in a hot wok/skillet. Add green beans; cook until bright and lightly charred. Remove.
    3. Aromatics (30 sec): Add onion, then garlic and ginger; toss quickly.
    4. Sear chicken (2–3 min): Add chicken in a single layer; cook just until opaque.
    5. Sauce: Whisk soy, stock, brown sugar, wine. Pour into pan; bring to a simmer.
    6. Thicken: Stir in cornstarch slurry; simmer 30–60 sec until glossy.
    7. Finish: Return beans; toss to coat. Off heat, add 1 tsp sesame oil. Serve hot.

Notes

    • Texture: Keep heat high; avoid crowding for best sear.
    • Sodium control: Swap more stock for some soy; finish with a pinch of salt to taste.
    • Veg swap: Add mushrooms for a “mushroom chicken” vibe.
    • Make it spicy: 1/2–1 tsp chili flakes or a spoon of chili crisp.
    • Low calorie, high protein.
    • Pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa.

    • For keto, skip starch and reduce broth slightly; or whisk in a tiny pinch xanthan off heat.

    • Gluten-free: use tamari + GF oyster sauce.

    • Spice it up with chili-garlic sauce.

    • Serve over cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Nutrition

Keywords: string bean chicken breast panda express, copycat recipe, stir fry

Find it online: https://www.greatlyrecipes.com/string-bean-chicken-breast-panda-express/